Tata Consulting Engineers Limited is India’s one of the leading integrated engineering consultants, offering comprehensive services from concept to commissioning. With a strong portfolio of over 12,000 projects across 60+ countries, they have built a reputation for quality and consistent growth. The company specialises in areas like green building design, zero liquid discharge, waste-to-energy conversion, and net-zero solutions. Guided by the mantra “Engineering a Better Tomorrow™,” the company is committed to advancing sustainable development in construction, infrastructure and industrial engineering sectors.
Constrofacilitator recently had an exclusive interview with Mr. Amit Sharma, MD & CEO of Tata Consulting Engineers Limited. He is a seasoned leader in engineering and design with over 28 years of global experience. An alumnus of Arizona State University and NIT Surat, he has built a distinguished career driving innovation and digital transformation, holding pivotal roles at Atkins India, Infosys, and Tata Motors. His expertise spans Design, Engineering, Project Management, and business strategy, including Consulting, P&L, and Sales, making him a recognized industry leader and Fellow of the Institute of Engineers India (FIE).
During the interview, he shared insights on companies services, technol;ogies being adopted, sustainability integrating, potential of engineering consultancy market in India and much more.
Here are the excerpts from the interview.
- How does Tata Consulting Engineers differentiate itself in the competitive landscape of integrated engineering consultancy?
Tata Consulting Engineers (TCE) distinguishes itself through a robust blend of technical expertise, industry-leading innovation, and an unwavering commitment to sustainable solutions. Our unique strength lies in delivering end-to-end engineering services across diverse sectors, supported by a multidisciplinary team and a wealth of experience across India and international markets. We consistently leverage advanced digital tools, strategic partnerships, and industry best practices to offer clients optimised solutions tailored to their specific needs, helping them achieve their project objectives efficiently and responsibly.
- How is the company utilising new technologies such as AI and smart systems in engineering projects?
At Tata Consulting Engineers (TCE), we are committed to integrating the latest advancements in technology, including artificial intelligence, digital twins, IoT-enabled smart systems, and digital project management solutions, such as our SmartSiteTM app, to enhance precision, efficiency, and scalability across projects. By deploying AI-based analytics and predictive modelling, we optimise asset management and streamline decision-making processes. Our SmartSiteTM app is central to this digital project management approach, enabling real-time monitoring, resource allocation, and streamlined communication on-site, which significantly enhances project execution and coordination. In addition, our digital twin solutions allow for real-time monitoring and performance assessment, creating value for clients through proactive, data-driven insights. Collectively, these technologies not only improve operational resilience but also support long-term sustainability across projects.
The use of new technology and tools for effective project management is also vital to the successful completion of infrastructure projects, especially in an era of tight schedules and complex regulatory environments. TCE leverages cutting-edge project management techniques to meet these challenges head-on, and a prime example is the deployment of an integrated project management landscape, seamlessly integrating Project Management Portal (PMPTM), an online document management system Wrench, leveraging MS Sharepoint and TEAM collaboration tools, a smart mobile app SmartSiteTM, which is a digital, paperless project management smart mobile app platform designed to streamline execution, improve transparency, and enhance collaboration. With this integrated approach TCE’s project teams can access real-time project data, update documentation instantly, and monitor progress with digital checklists and workflows. This platform enables seamless, paperless communication across the project lifecycle, reducing the need for physical documentation and accelerating decision-making.
In addition to digitalisation, a clear definition of scope is fundamental to cost control. Ambiguities in the scope of work can lead to misunderstandings, delays, and cost overruns. To mitigate these risks, TCE employs comprehensive scope clarity measures from the very outset of a project. These measures include detailed inputs and outputs for each deliverable, along with clearly defined timelines and key milestones.
Keeping the requirements of our clients, India-specific project requirements vs when executing International projects, and code and standards specific to each sector and region, TCE has sharpened its project execution approach by innovating on its project model termed as “Owners Engineer and Project Controls” (OEPCTM). This approach, coupled with our integrated digital project platform, further enhances project execution and ensures cost control through the use of the RACI matrix (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed) to define roles and responsibilities. By applying the RACI matrix, TCE improves decision-making, ensures accountability, and establishes clear communication across project stakeholders. This approach prevents confusion over task ownership, reduces overlaps, and ensures resources are utilised efficiently, preventing unnecessary expenses from duplicated efforts. With well-defined roles, it becomes easier to avoid unauthorised changes that can inflate costs.
Accountability ensures that only approved work is completed, preventing cost overruns due to confusion or unauthorised tasks. Together, OEPCTM, Integrated Project Execution port, SmartSiteTM, scope clarity, and the RACI matrix strengthen TCE’s commitment to efficiency and precision in project management, setting new standards in digital project execution.
- What emerging trends do you see shaping the future of the engineering consultancy market in India?
The engineering consultancy market in India is being reshaped by several dynamic trends, including an accelerated push for sustainable and green infrastructure, an emphasis on digital transformation, and the increasing adoption of modular and off-site construction techniques. Additionally, the drive toward smart cities and the integration of AI, data analytics, and digital twins are transforming how projects are designed, monitored, and executed. TCE remains aligned with these trends, continuing to invest in capabilities that address future demands and contribute meaningfully to India’s development landscape.
With large Capex push and India embracing new high end manufacturing push such as EV Batteries, Green Metals, Green Hydrogen and Green Ammonia, Solar, Semiconductors, Speciality Chemicals and Bulk API Pharma etc, the trend is to award end to end projects to cover the Design, Process, Engineering, Procurement and integrated Project management, while selecting integrated Project execution as regards Construction and LSTK utilities packages. In line with this trend, Keeping the requirements of our clients, India specific project requirements vs when executing International projects, and code and standards specific to each sector and region, TCE has sharpened its project execution approach by innovating on its project model termed as “Owner’s Engineer and Project Controls” (OEPCTM). This approach coupled with our integrated digital project platform further enhances project execution and ensures cost control through the use of the RACI matrix (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed) to define roles and responsibilities.
By applying the RACI matrix, TCE improves decision-making, ensures accountability, and establishes clear communication across project stakeholders. This approach prevents confusion over task ownership, reduces overlaps, and ensures resources are utilised efficiently, preventing unnecessary expenses from duplicated efforts. With well-defined roles, it becomes easier to avoid unauthorised changes that can inflate costs. Accountability ensures that only approved work is completed, preventing cost overruns due to confusion or unauthorised tasks. Together, OEPCTM, Integrated Project Execution port, SmartSiteTM, scope clarity, and the RACI matrix strengthen TCE’s commitment to efficiency and precision in project management, setting new standards in digital project execution.
- What initiatives does the company use to nurture talent and prepare the next generation of engineers for future challenges?
Our commitment to nurturing talent is evident through initiatives such as the Young Engineers Development Programme, a structured pathway that equips new talent with essential technical skills, leadership training, and exposure to diverse sectors. TCE also emphasises continuous learning, with upskilling opportunities in digital and emerging technologies, industry certifications, and mentorship programmes. Through these initiatives, we aim to foster a skilled workforce that is well-prepared to tackle the engineering challenges of tomorrow.
- How does the company assess and respond to the evolving needs of clients in various sectors, such as renewable energy and urban development?
With over six decades of sectoral expertise, Tata Consulting Engineers (TCE) has built enduring relationships with our clients, enabling us to understand their specific needs and anticipate shifts in the industry. Our long-standing partnerships allow us to proactively adapt to emerging demands, whether in renewable energy, urban development, or other sectors. Through continuous market watch and sectoral insights, we stay abreast of the latest advancements and regulatory changes, which helps us provide relevant, forward-thinking solutions. Our approach combines deep industry knowledge with a commitment to innovation, ensuring that our clients receive customised, impactful services that drive both efficiency and resilience in their projects.
- How does the company integrate sustainability into its infrastructure projects, and could you share insights about a few important executed projects?
Sustainability is deeply embedded in our project approach, with a focus on resource efficiency, low-carbon technologies, and resilience against environmental challenges. We implement green design principles, prioritise renewable energy sources, and incorporate eco-friendly materials wherever possible. Notable projects include the complete digital engineering of a mega solar power plant, highlighting our commitment to sustainability and renewable energy, and the Tunga River Front Development, where we integrated ecological restoration with community-focused urban design. TCE is also engaged in engineering the world’s largest green ammonia plant and has engineered the world’s highest and Asia’s first green fuelling station. Through projects like these, TCE reinforces its commitment to creating sustainable, value-driven infrastructure.
