Dr. Sanjay Agarwal’s 38-year journey through India’s infrastructure landscape is a masterclass in leadership and innovation. His leadership has been instrumental in driving India’s progress, from building Asia’s largest Rail Coach Factory to achieving world records in highway construction. In this interview, he reflects on the milestones that defined his career, including the founding of Team Universal Infratech Pvt. Ltd. (TUIPL). With insights into decision-making, team building, and the future of infrastructure, Dr. Agarwal reveals the human touch behind every achievement.

• What was the turning point in your career?

Joining IRCON in 1986 was where my journey truly began. I had the privilege of being part of transformative projects such as Asia’s largest Rail Coach Factory in Kapurthala and the rail connectivity for the Dadri Power Plant. These experiences provided me with a deep understanding of the complexities involved in large-scale infrastructure development. However, a pivotal shift occurred in 1996 when I joined IJM Corporation, where I led the Desa Sri Puteri mega-building project, leveraging innovative Wall & Table System forms.

The real turning point came when I returned to India with IJM India Infrastructure Ltd., taking on ambitious projects like a 114-acre township in Vijayawada, a 93-kilometer BOT highway project in Tamil Nadu, the first city project in Nagpur, and the second cable-stayed bridge in Kolkata. Each project brought unique challenges and invaluable learning experiences.

In 2008, I made the boldest move of my career by founding Team Universal Infratech Pvt. Ltd. (TUIPL). Under our leadership, TUIPL grew to 300 employees and achieved a turnover of INR 2,200 crores within 14 years. When IJM Corporation acquired TUIPL in 2019, it marked a significant milestone in our journey. I then served as COO and eventually Director at IJM, overseeing several landmark projects, including the record-breaking Solapur-Bijapur highway project.

• How has your leadership philosophy shaped your current path?

Leadership, for me, has always been grounded in two fundamental principles: integrity and ownership. The COVID-19 pandemic reinforced the importance of these values, especially within our human-centered industry. During the lockdown, we found ourselves responsible for nearly 2,000 workers stranded at our project sites, unable to return to their families. At that moment, it became clear that we were not just managing a workforce—we were responsible for their well-being.

In response, we expanded medical coverage for our employees to ensure that, moving forward, they have the security and resources to sustain themselves in any future crises. The pandemic also pushed us to rethink our business processes. We sharpened our forecasting capabilities, implemented online procurement systems, and standardized our supply chain management. While embracing these technological advances, we always retained sight of the human element, which remained our priority throughout.

This recognition of human capital’s power and potential inspired my latest venture in April 2024. Though I’ve transitioned from my executive role at IJM, I continue to serve as a Director and Advisor while establishing my own advisory practice. This new chapter is focused on sharing the technical expertise and human-centered leadership lessons I’ve gained over the years. Through tailored advice, strategic networking, mentorship, and investment guidance, I aim to shape the future of infrastructure and nurture the next generation of leaders.

What excites me most about this journey is the opportunity to partner with individuals and organizations who share my conviction that true excellence in infrastructure stems from exceptional leadership. After decades of watching both projects and people thrive, I’ve realized that the most lasting legacies we build aren’t just in the structures we create—they are in the relationships, trust, and shared visions that form the foundation of every successful endeavor.

• What drives your vision for the future, and how do you approach sustainability in your projects?

My vision is rooted in a fundamental belief that true success comes from uplifting others, not pushing them down to elevate ourselves. This philosophy shapes our organizational environment and is reflected in our commitment to sustainability through practical innovations. Since 2000, rather than cutting down trees for highway projects, we have invested in transplantation technology, successfully relocating thousands of trees. We also utilize biodiesel in our equipment and prioritize electricity over generators whenever possible.

The results of these initiatives are evident. Under my leadership at IJM, our team set a world record between 2020 and 2022 by laying 25.54 kilometers of road in just 17 hours and 45 minutes for the Solapur-Bijapur project. 

As we move forward, it is crucial to embed the belief that “Ethics is the essence of Success” in the next generation of leaders. By fostering this mindset, we can equip them to bridge leadership gaps, confront significant challenges, and implement core strategies with a sense of responsibility and purpose. This alignment between ethics and success is the key to driving sustainable growth and innovation in any industry.

• What advice would you give to budding leaders?

The temptation to take shortcuts in our industry can be compelling, but integrity remains the foundation of lasting success. Effective communication and teamwork are essential pillars in cultivating strong leaders who can drive sustainable growth and uphold the highest standards.

Decision-making is equally critical. Indecision can lead to wasted time and resources. Whether through conscious choices or collective agreements, taking decisive action is imperative. I encourage my team to embrace responsibility for their decisions and view setbacks as valuable learning experiences.

Lastly, I emphasize the importance of being present on the ground. My team knows their concerns will be addressed swiftly, reinforcing a culture of open communication.