BUIDCo's initiative faced several challenges that significantly increased project complexity. Bihar's high population density severely restricted available working areas in urban settings, complicating project execution while minimizing public disruption. The projects were allocated 24 months for completion, compared to the industry standard of 36-48 months, intensifying pressure on all project phases. As Bihar's first integrated water supply and sewerage systems, these projects lacked local benchmarks or established practices to follow.

Additionally, complex approval processes further complicated the projects. Obtaining necessary NOCs for government land use involved lengthy, coordination-intensive processes. Design approvals, managed by a single team overseeing all 15 projects, led to bottlenecks and delays due to unclear prioritization and workload issues. These factors created a challenging environment, demanding innovative solutions and careful management to ensure project success.

SCOPE OF PROJECTS AT BUIDCo

The Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation (BUIDCo) launched an ambitious initiative to transform urban infrastructure across 15 cities in Bihar, India, with an estimated investment of $190 million.

The physical scope of the portfolio was:

• 1600 kms of water supply network across 6 cities
• 680 kms of sewerage network across 6 cities
• 25 kms of roads & drains in two cities

BUIDCo's responsibilities included providing encumbrance-free land, finalizing contractors, approving work-related drawings, and securing statutory approvals. These efforts ensured smooth execution and compliance with regulations.

PROBLEM STATEMENT: START-STOP WORK SYNDROME

Urban infrastructure projects are inherently complex and require meticulous planning before construction begins. However, a critical challenge emerged: Start-Stop Work Syndrome. This problem stemmed from the public scrutiny these projects face. Eager to demonstrate progress, work often commenced without proper preparation. This resulted in a significant discrepancy between the total project scope (2200 km of water and sewerage network) and the available work area at project initiation (only 180km).

The consequences of this approach were multifaceted:

• Project Delays: Starting work without proper planning led to delays, rework, and resource wastage as unforeseen obstacles arose during construction. The stop-start nature of work disrupted schedules, extending timelines far beyond the original targets.
• Cost Overruns: Poor planning resulted in frequent redesigns, emergency procurement of materials, and extended labor hours, significantly inflating project costs beyond the initial budget.
• Safety Concerns: Inadequate preparation and rushed construction compromised safety standards, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries for both workers and the public.

SOLVING THE START-STOP WORK SYNDROME: THE PROJECT & SECTION FULL KIT STRATEGY

To streamline project execution, we proposed a comprehensive 'Full Kit' approach, consisting of Project and Section Full Kits. This strategy was designed to ensure thorough preparation and efficient execution at both macro and micro levels, ultimately aiming to deliver timely, cost-effective, and successful urban infrastructure development in Bihar.

Pre-FullKit (Pre-FK) Phase – Laying the Groundwork

This crucial initial stage focuses on comprehensive preparation. It involves finalizing land acquisition and securing all necessary approvals (NOCs), completing detailed engineering designs, identifying and procuring essential materials, and mobilizing construction crews and equipment. By addressing these foundational elements, the Pre-FK phase ensures that the project is fully prepared before any physical work begins.

Project Full Kit Phase

The Full Kit phase commences only when the Pre-FK phase is complete. This ensures that all necessary resources are in place, eliminating the risks associated with a premature start.

The Project Full Kit phase began with a thorough scoping exercise to define the project’s goals, requirements, and constraints. Stakeholder workshops were conducted to gather input from all relevant parties, ensuring that their needs and concerns were addressed. This collaborative approach helped identify potential issues early on and develop strategies to resolve them. Detailed planning was then carried out to create a robust project roadmap, outlining the tasks, timelines, and resources required for successful execution.

Section Full Kit Phase

Following the Project Full Kit phase, the Section Full Kit phase focused on more granular preparation. This phase involved securing all necessary approvals for each specific project section, ensuring that there were no regulatory or administrative hurdles remaining. Resource mobilization plans were developed, detailing the allocation and scheduling of materials, equipment, and personnel for each section. This meticulous planning ensured that every aspect of the project was ready for execution, minimizing the risk of delays or disruptions.

Structured Execution Process

With both full kits in place, a structured execution process was implemented to maintain order and efficiency throughout the project lifecycle. Key elements of this process included:

• 15-Day Look-Ahead Task Preparation: This involved planning tasks and activities in 15-day increments, allowing for proactive identification and mitigation of potential issues.
• Buffer System for Managing Delays: By incorporating buffer periods into the schedule, the project team could absorb minor setbacks without affecting the overall timeline. This approach provided flexibility and helped maintain progress even when unexpected challenges arose.
• Project Execution Office (PEO): A dedicated Project Execution Office was established to oversee the entire project lifecycle. The PEO identified and resolved issues proactively, ensuring seamless coordination among all project stakeholders. The PEO also monitored progress, provided regular updates, and facilitated communication to keep everyone informed and aligned.

Transforming the Project Landscape

‍Our approach replaced the chaotic start-stop syndrome with methodical preparation, using the Pre-FK and FK phases to tackle challenges proactively. This strategy optimized resource allocation, cut costs by reducing rework, and enhanced safety. It ensured timely project completion and established BUIDCo as a leader in urban development.

Notably, this approach led to the release of 681 km of work front in 6 months and doubled the design approval rate, significantly enhancing infrastructure quality and improving residents' quality of life across Bihar.