Jayanta Basu, a visionary leader, spearheads the management of intricate infrastructure projects. With extensive experience and specialized knowledge, Basu navigates the intricacies of large-scale construction endeavors with precision and foresight. From overseeing projects spanning across diverse terrains, including challenging landscapes such as mountains and coastal regions, he consistently demonstrates unparalleled dedication and innovation in ensuring the successful execution of each venture. As a seasoned professional, Basu embodies a steadfast commitment to excellence, safety, and top-notch quality, driving forward projects that redefine the landscape of infrastructure development.
Sitting in his new office in the business district of Powai in Mumbai, Jayanta Basu, Managing Director of ITD Cementation India Limited, a renowned Engineering and Construction powerhouse, greets us with his opening remarks “Right now, our nation is witnessing an exciting surge in technological innovation, with ground-breaking advancements in fields like renewable energy and artificial intelligence together with multi-fold push towards Infrastructure development. We are now not only looking at bridging infrastructure gaps but constructing several technological marvels be it tunnel under sea or high-speed railways or jetty deep into the sea, which we could have hardly thought of, few years back. While this era of growth holds immense promise, it is crucial to acknowledge the challenges that come with it, ensuring Safety of workmen and users, Quality, Sustainability and addressing potential environmental concerns.”
His concerns stem from the facts that his team at ITD Cementation India works at the most complicated and complex structures over the oceans and under the mountains. He is now at the leadership position of an organisation which stands on the pillars of ‘Commitment to Safety’, ‘Reliability’ and ‘Quality’ and is well known for its impeccable track record of Safety and Quality.
After getting his degree in Civil Engineering from the esteemed Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (formerly Bengal Engineering College), Shibpur, Basu commenced his career as a Graduate Engineer Trainee at ITD Cementation India in 1986. At that time, the company specialized in Foundation Engineering. Demonstrating a keen aptitude for learning, Basu quickly grasped the intricacies of project management. As the Indian market opened up in the early 1990s, ITD Cementation India (formerly Cemindia Company Limited) diversified into Marine Construction, Industrial Structures, and Bridges. Within a short span, Basu was entrusted with the independent responsibility of managing complex marine projects with technologies new for the company. The successful completion and handover of these projects brought Basu to the forefront of the company’s Port and Harbour construction business. His responsibility widened from securing contracts to overseeing project delivery and contract closure.
In the history of ITD Cementation India, the year 2005 stands out as a pivotal moment. Ital Thai Development Public Company Limited, one of Southeast Asia's largest Engineering and Construction organizations, became the majority shareholder, bringing essential stability and expertise to the company for new businesses. With a series of triumphs, Basu assumed leadership of the company in 2014. Seamlessly leveraging the parent company's experience, he expanded the business portfolio to include several new and specialized products, such as Airports and Underground Metro projects.
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-21, Basu's ambitions of taking the company to greater heights underwent a drastic shift as he confronted the immediate challenge of navigating its impacts. Ensuring the well-being of 20,000 site workers and 2,500 office staff, along with their families, during the pandemic posed a formidable challenge. Basu expresses contentment in effectively mitigating the pandemic's impact with minimal harm.
Under his guidance, there's a steadfast commitment to maximizing shareholder value and cultivating a highly contented stakeholder community. His leadership has propelled the company to remarkable growth, reflected in its impressive top-line and bottom-line performance, as well as a robust order book. With a strong belief in Corporate Governance, Basu directs his team to ensure complete compliance at all levels.
Since its inception, the Company has consistently operated as a subsidiary of internationally acclaimed construction organizations, including Cementation in the UK, Kvaerner in Norway, Skanska in Sweden, and presently Ital Thai Development in Bangkok. This professional culture, along with the core values of 'Safety First' and 'Quality Must,' is deeply ingrained in the organization's ethos. This inspired Jayanta Basu to set eyes on overseas projects, aiming to compete globally. Soon the company secured its inaugural international project: the Construction of Myanmar Container Terminal. The successful completion of this endeavor bolstered Basu's confidence, prompting him to envision expanding ITD Cementation India's presence to countries such as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, and the Middle East. Presently, the company is actively executing projects in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
Basu firmly believes that Human Resource is paramount to an organization's success. He maintains a personal connection with each member of his team, familiarizing himself with their strengths and weaknesses. Investing in human capital is a cornerstone of his philosophy, viewing it as the key driver behind any organization's achievements. By meticulously selecting, developing, and nurturing talented individuals, he believes organizations can yield exceptional returns. In team meetings, he often adopts the role of a mentor, emphasizing not only on numbers but also on imparting knowledge. During his spare moments, particularly during flights, he enjoys collecting and sharing quotes from influential leaders with his team. He perceives the country's major challenge as a shortage of skilled individuals, whether in roles like Project Managers, Supervisors, or Operators. Internally and externally, the organization provides skill training to its workforce, recognizing the importance of continuous learning and development.
Currently, he is leading the organization towards minimizing waste, driven by his concern for society and the aim to enhance profitability. Basu directs his team to carefully select projects that align with their expertise and to thoroughly assess each project before bidding. He prioritizes delivering projects on time as promised, emphasizing the importance of meeting commitments. Recognizing the pivotal role of vendors and suppliers in project success, he personally oversees the annual vendor meet, a gathering that brings together all major associates of the company.
Basu holds a position on the Board of Governors of the prestigious construction management institute, NICMAR, located in Mumbai. Additionally, he plays an active role in shaping policy development as a member of various business associations.
