‘HPL has completed over 10,500 school toilets’

Hindustan Prefab Limited (HPL), the first Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) for construction, was established in 1953. Initially created to address the housing issues of refugees from west Pakistan, HPL further evolved as a general construction company taking up major housing and institutional projects covering education, health and other projects with a large component for the armed forces. Rajesh Goel, chairman and managing director, spoke to HT about the company’s mission to promote prefab. Excerpts:

Has prefab in the housing area been a success?

The housing construction industry has seen the least technological advancement as compared to any other sector. With the economy poised to grow at a healthy rate, the construction sector has to pick up pace and expedite the housing delivery process so as to meet the challenge of Housing for All by 2022. The prefab sector provides a viable option to address this challenge.

What are the prospects for the growth of the prefab sector in housing?

Technology providers and implementers should be encouraged through appropriate policy facilitation and tax concessions to bring them on a level playing field with conventional construction. Availability of skilled manpower to deal with prefab works is also a challenge that needs to be addressed as a crucial part of our mission of skilling India.

How has HPL contributed to the Swachh Bharat Mission?

HPL has successfully completed over 10,500 school toilet complexes in various parts of the country under the most challenging circumstances. These projects were a logistical challenge as we had to ensure material and manpower in remote locations.