Vikkana Sadasivam
General manager, Larsen and Toubro Limited
Expertise
Design, Structural, Project ManagementLocation
IndiaMy highlights
Designing a multipurpose berth in a highly seismic area with hollow, prestressed concrete piles
Working on construction methods for the first extradosed cable-stayed bridge in India
Working on construction methods for the first high-speed rail project in India
I would recommend a career in civil or infrastructure engineering because…
Civil engineering is a field of imagination (could call it imagineering!). Whatever one dreams up can be brought into reality.
When a project you are part of is completed, the kind of satisfaction you get is immense. The feeling cannot be explained by words. You have to experience it!
To get chartered membership with the ICE is to be among the best professionals in the world, networking and sharing knowledge. It's recognised across the globe.
What inspired you to become a civil engineer?
Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, often referred to as Sir MV, was a highly influential Indian engineer, statesman, and scholar.
He is renowned for his contributions to engineering, particularly the design of the Krishna Raja Sagara dam in Mysore.
Of course, my father is another inspiration for me. Though he didn't pass 10th class (equivalent to secondary school), the kind of thought process, vision and clarity he had was amazing and noteworthy.
We asked Mr Sadasivam
A day in my life
Typically, the day starts with a 60- to 75-minute-long morning walk with a couple of friends.
Then, I get ready and drive to the office, arriving between 8.45-9.00am.
Usually, I prefer to have client meetings in the morning, so that I’m very fresh while interacting with them.
Since I live close to the office, I go home for lunch. This short break is really refreshing for me.
I always like to interact with younger colleagues to hear about their ambitions and viewpoints. I support them with their professional and personal growth.
On the home front, it's just my wife Punitha and me, as our son is working in Toronto, Canada. We ensure that we have at least one meal together every day.
Complete this phrase: I’m a civil engineer, but I’m also...
An agriculturalist with a deep passion for farming and ecology.
I own some farming land, and I make it a priority to employ women for agricultural works whenever possible, aiming to empower them through sustainable income.
Name one civil or infrastructure engineering myth you’d like to bust.
That mega infrastructure projects always run over budget and time.
It's not always the case, and it's improving with advancement in BIM, digital twin technologies, integrated project delivery models, AI-powered design and planning, lean construction practices, strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration.
How does your role contribute to addressing climate change?
By embracing sustainability, reducing carbon emissions and consuming less natural resources!
What role does digital technology play in your job?
Digital technology plays a very important role within design and engineering.
All the engineering drawings are produced on a BIM platform.
We use integrated 2D and 3D modelling, clash detection and coordination, quantity take-offs, cost estimations and construction sequencing.
What does being professionally qualified with the ICE mean for your career?
The qualification helps me a lot within my company and with the outside world, too.
When going for professional development reviews, a certification like CEng MICE is an advantage.
Mr Sadasivam's career path
- Diploma in civil engineering, Sakthi Institute of Technology
- Bachelor of Engineering, Kongu Engineering College (KEC), Perunduari, Erode
- Master of Engineering, College of Engineering, Guindy, Chennai
- Design engineer at AFCONS Infrastructure Limited (1993-1996), Mumbai
- Progressing from senior design engineer to general manager at Larsen & Toubro Limited, Chennai
Major projects
- Designing and building my own house in Chennai, India
- Designing and constructing the first cable-stayed bridge in Jordan
- Working on the design and construction method for Mumbai-Ahmedabad, the first high-speed rail project in India
