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Specialised infra projects like road building projects can reap multiple benefits by deploying project management onsite

The domestic construction and real estate industry is increasingly turning towards professional project management solutions in their bid to control costs and ensure timely project completion. Rajesh Kulkarni finds out what makes PM a critical tool for managing projects from start to finish.

A n integral part of construction processes worldwide, Project Management Services (PMS) are now slowly making inroads in the Indian context as well. A specialised tool/service, PMS includes providing clients (builders/realtors) end-to-end solutions at every step starting from project conceptualisation to its completion. 

“Project management in construction and real estate industry can be defined as - The planning  monitoring and control of all aspects of the project and the motivation of all those involved in it to achieve the project objectives on time and to the specified cost, quality & performance”, explains Gayatri Sahni, who heads the project management division of the Mumbai-based Property Solutions (I) Pvt Ltd (PSIPL), which has established a project management team with experience in the management of interior & construction projects. 

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“In general, project management describes the work required to start a project and the processes of controlling and managing the project once it starts. It also includes the work necessary to close the project after the solution is completed,” adds Sahni.

PM in Pre & Post Construction
While effective PM plays a key role in the successful culmination of projects from start to finish, there are however several key differentiators in the pre and post-construction phase in terms of the scope of its services. 

“Pre-construction phase would normally include scheduling and scope preparation, reviewing the time schedule and preparing a preliminary budget cost estimate,” says Jalandhar Reddy, executive director, KNR Constructions, a Hyderabad-based company that specialises in road development projects.

“This can be achieved by a detailed material quantity take off and unit pricing. While in the post construction phase, PM is responsible for construction closeout, including a comprehensive project cost report and operation and maintenance procedures of all construction components.”

“Pre and post construction are two distinct phases in a project management cycle,” states Sumit Rakshit, executive director - occupier services, Cushman & Wakefield.

“In the pre construction stage, PM partners start by helping clients find the right vendors for various aspects, finalise on the project timeline and budget and ensure a complete signed project brief is adequately communicated to all stake holders.”

“In the post-construction stage, after the premise is handed over, role of the project management partners is to assist a smooth transition from project to facilities,” he adds.

“The team would commission various systems to ensure de-snagging of the entire premise and a smooth handing over of all documentations needed to run the facilities unhindered. The back end processes are passed on seamlessly to ensure that the project is operational at the earliest.”