The Statue of Unity was built as an ode to the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and the first Home Minister of Independent India. Inaugurated in October 31, 2018, this is the world’s tallest statue towering over River Narmada. L&T that built the statue has appointed UDS as Operation & Maintenance Services Partner. “The UDS team looks forward to helping site visitors get the most from their visit and have a pleasurable experience,” says Raghunandan Tangirala, Managing Director, UDS
What are the processes being followed by UDS at the Gujarat property at Statue of Unity?
UDS is proud to be associated with the Statue of Unity. Our teams manage various aspects of the site including accounting, administration, civil, exhibition, horticulture, MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing), safety, crowd control and other functions.
Our team is delighted to handle the operations and maintenance aspects of the World’s Largest Statue. The job involves many dynamics challenges that arise daily which keeps them on their toes and so they are constantly learnings new skills.
A brief overview of some of the critical functions we handle is given here:
Site Safety
• The UDS team specializes in Risk Management and assessment. The tasks includes Site Inspection, Work Permit, Hazard Observation, Upkeep of Fire Fighting System Record, Mock drills and Trainings.
Guest Relations
• Our well trained guest relations team manages the exhibition area, welcome VVIP visitors, performs feedback collection and grievance redressal. The reception team works on counter operations, handles lost and found management and other essential services.
Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Civil Work
• The site is kept in working order by ensuring uninterrupted electric supply by managing the transformer, HT, LT Panel, diesel generator, power distribution board and much more
• Safety and comfort is maintained via the fire alarm system, access control system, CCTV, facade lights, lighting arrester, water cooled chillers, air cooled chillers, cooling towers and other aspects.
The team also manages all the plumbing aspects and ensures that all the pumps are maintained well.
Other technical aspects of site maintenance covers AHU’s, CSU’s, FCU’s, toilet exhaust fans, smoke extract fans, fresh air fans, washroom accessories, hand dryers, TMD (Tuned mass dumper), sewage & dewatering pumps, water coolers, air coolers, SHM, PA system, boom barriers, baggage scanners, DFMD, SHM (Structure Health Monitor system) and HVAC system.
Housekeeping Services: Latest equipment like boom lift, ride on scrubber driers & sweepers, flippers etc. have been used by UDS in coordination with L&T team of Operation and Maintenance at site for easy cleaning for high rise areas, and floors with use of eco-friendly chemicals.
Employing and upskilling Rural Youth: Local villagers from the nearby tribal community were employed by UDS during the recruitment process to give them employment opportunity. These unskilled villagers were given continuous training in different areas like housekeeping, gardening, technical maintenance, safety, crowd control and guest relationship.
Equipment Planning for property management: For housekeeping / horticulture / MEP / safety, all modern equipment has been introduced to maintain standard of SOU.
SOP & O&M Manual: SOPs have been implemented for all operations and maintenance services, including guest interactions, housekeeping, horticulture, safety, and MEP. O&M manual is prepared in coordination with L&T Team.
Training: Internal as well as external trainers provide regular classroom and on-site training throughout the year on core subjects as well as on functional & behavioural aspects, skill development, etc.
Continuous Improvement: Feedback from visitors is collected to identify areas for improvement and enhance the overall experience. This feedback loop helps in maintaining the quality and relevance of the property over the period of time.
How much of technological interventions have been introduced in this property?
The technological features introduced are modern housekeeping services and 5S method. The 5S method at site provides a method for organizing, cleaning, developing, and sustaining a productive work environment.
What are the major challenges in implementing cleaning and hygiene practices in such high traffic areas?
Volume of visitors is the main challenge. Managing cleanliness becomes difficult when there are thousands of people moving through the area constantly. SOU is open from 8.00am to 8.00pm (12 Hrs). We do deep cleaning of premises considering pre-opening and post-closing of operations period. On Monday being a maintenance day of the Statue, major deep cleaning has been taken care of to avoid guest inconvenience.
The inflow of visitors also demands continuous cleaning throughout the day. Preventive Maintenance is being followed by UDS Team through 52 Week PPM Calendar to avoid disruptions of services.
Other challenges are posed by the variety of surfaces- metal, stone, glass, and landscaping. Each surface has specific cleaning methods.
Twenty three acres of open area with extreme weather conditions poses its own challenges to the team while managing cleanliness, preventive maintenance and providing comfort to visitors.
UDS ensures their Guest Relation Team and Visitor Guide Team pay good attention to visitor requests and try to give them good experience during their trip.
Another challenge is managing the disposal of waste generated by visitors. The UDS team encourage the visitors to follow cleanliness guidelines and dispose of waste properly. Signages, appropriate dustbins and interactive displays are in place to reinforce the importance of cleanliness.
What kind of soft services are required?
Accessibility Services: Ensured accessibility for visitors with disabilities, including wheelchair access, ramps, and specialized services.
Safety Services: Maintaining a safe and secure environment for visitors, with CISF personnel, and emergency response protocols of UDS.
Environmental Services: Implementing sustainable practices for waste management, recycling, and environmental conservation.
Customer Service and Assistance: Friendly and helpful staff to assist visitors with any inquiries, complaints, or special requests.
Horticulture Services: Well maintained landscape, lawn, hedges, green wall with fountain, etc.
Sanitation Service: Clean and well-maintained restroom facilities throughout the site.
R&R Program for Staff: Reward and recognition program has been followed every month to boost staff for motivation toward work.
A public place like SOU will demand additional responsibilities…
Yes, management of VIP visits throughout the year needs meticulous planning. We need to ensure proper services during the visits of dignitaries like the President and the Prime Minister of India, the Governor and Chief Ministers of various states, Foreign delegations etc.
We do team engagement activities like men & women cricket match and celebration of International Women’s Day & the World Environment Day with visitors.
