Unity runs an extra mile for C'wealth games

MUMBAI: In an unprecedented feat, Unity Infraprojects ran an extra mile to create a record by completing the construction of an eco-friendly five-star hotel complex at Balewadi, Pune, for the recent 3rd Commonwealth Youth Games in just 12 months against heavy odds.

“In normal course, it take would have taken six to eight months only to finalise the design and complete formalities before construction on a five-star hotel starts,” said Mr. K K Avarsekar, CMD of Unity Infraprojects Limited.

“But, we managed to complete the challenging task of building the world class facilities for hosting participants from over 70 countries in one single location and an environment friendly, zero-garbage hotel with five star and three-star facilities.”

“When I look back, I overcome by emotion that this Rs 300 cr edifice with 600,000 sq ft area is up, ready and running,” he said. The hotel complex with five-star and three-star facilities housed about 1200 participants and over 500 officials from across the Commonwealth Nations.

It was huge task to find a single location for housing the participants as required due to security concerns. In fact the planning commission officials did insist on a single location rather than scouting for multiple hotels and hostels when the State government began planning on the massive event.

The government, then floated tender for the project to be operated on a BOT (build, operate and transfer) basis. As pre-conditions for the projects changed from time to time to accommodate various requirements and India Olympic Association stipulations, bids had to be invited three times. Unity Infraprojects Ltd emerged as the successful bidder at the end of the third round.

“Many in Pune and elsewhere thought that we were mad to take up the project since no one could imagine that the project of this size could be ready in a year. That did not deter us. We mobilised men and machinery to ensure that the pride of Maharashtra and India does not get dented for want of accommodation for the games.”

Had the accommodation not been ready as stipulated by the games officials, the venue would have nee shifted and the State would have earned a bad name. “I did not want that to happen as I am patriotic citizen,” said Mr Avarsekar.

The project faced many hurdles like the tremendous shortage of workers in the wake of the agitation against migrant labour and a Public Interest Litigation. Then the supply of construction materials was hampered for quite some time due to a transport strike.

Unity floated an SPV for the project and roped in roped in well known hotelier cum environmentalist Mr. Vithal Kamat as a partner and operator for the eco-friendly, zero-garbage hotel. The JV appointed M/s. renowned architects Upasni Design Cell for the design of the hotel project. Prof. M.G.Gadgil, Head - Structural Engineering Department, V.J.T.I, was the proof checking consultants

Unity Infraprojects, with its missionary zeal and determination worked 24x7x365 to complete the project. Pune is ready to host not only the games but to provide the finest accommodation.