RIYADH, 25 January 2005 — “Progressive Constructions Limited (PCL), which is one of the premier construction companies in India, has emerged as a major player in the construction industry of the Gulf region with a successful history spanning over several years”, said Rashid Ali Sheikh, one of the directors of PCL operations in Saudi Arabia.
Rashid and K.T. Rao, another director, unveiled their business plans for the region as well as Saudi Arabia.
Rashid said that PCL is currently working on several prestigious projects in the Kingdom, where it has very substantial business presence. “Major projects bagged by PCL in the Kingdom include three hospitals with a contract value of SR375 million for the Saudi Ministry of Health, an SR395 million dam project and 16 schools for the Ministry of Education”, said Rashid adding that these hospitals, each with 100 beds, will be handed over to the client soon. The hospitals are located in Al-Khafji, Rafha and Domat Jandal.
Referring to the dam project, he said out that the dam project is a priority for the Saudi government. The dam would be built in the southern region of the Kingdom. Rashid, who was honored with “Hind Rattan Award”, by NRI Welfare Society of India on Jan. 25, said that the PCL is working with local Saudi and Gulf companies on many projects. “In fact, in order to broaden our experience and acquire special skills in specialized areas we have entered into joint venture agreements with leading construction companies of the world including the Gulf states”, he said.
Rashid who has been supervising many of these projects, expects to get job orders worth a billion Saudi riyals this year. He was awarded the “Hind Rattan Award” at the five-day international congress of non-resident Indians on the occasion of India’s republic day. The congress currently in progress in the Indian capital city will conclude on Jan. 28. The Delhi-based NRI Welfare Society of India is a voluntary organization seeking to promote unity, progress, friendship and cooperation among Indians living in different countries. It also aims to promote relations between India as a nation and Indian expatriates living in different countries.
Referring to the growth of PCL in the Gulf, Rao said that the ambit of our company’s activities spans every aspect of infrastructure industry. “With the young and dynamic management at the helm, ably assisted by dedicated executives and field staff and supplemented by the state-of-the art construction machinery and equipment, the company’s name has become synonymous with quality by the virtue of which it occupies a prominent position in the construction industry”, Rao said.
He further said that the company’s extensive construction capabilities encompasses construction of roads, dams and spillways, construction of barrages, canals, diversion and railway tunnels, industrial structures, building complexes and flyovers besides waste, water treatment and sewage lines.
A major thrust area of PCL’s operations, he said, is construction of roads and highways in the Gulf countries besides dams and health institutions.
Asked about the major projects executed by PCL globally, Rao pointed out that the company has constructed many dams and barrages, canals, roads, railways and highways besides hospitals, workshops and commercial complexes. “The company has very substantial presence in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE and Sudan”, said the PCL director adding that the company has also built up a pool of highly competent manpower comprising over 200 qualified engineers and managerial professionals. It has more than 6,000 workers on its pay rolls globally.
