Interviews

Engineering the Best of Solutions

by BTM

Wed, 07 August 2024

Tanima Chakraborty, Chairperson of Albarq Group of Companies

For nearly half a century, Albarq Electrical Services has been a cornerstone in the Kingdom, offering a comprehensive range of electrical and engineering solutions. As part of our India in Bahrain supplement, Tanima Chakraborty, Chairperson of Albarq Group of Companies, highlights the company’s successes and extensive service portfolio.

“Albarq offers electrical installation, energy management, electrical design and engineering, testing and inspection, automation and control systems, project management, emergency electrical services and maintenance and repair,” Ms. Chakraborty says. This breadth of services ensures Albarq meets the diverse needs of residential, commercial and industrial clients, maintaining high standards of safety and efficiency.

Her journey with Albarq began after she completed her Master’s degree in Business Administration. She founded Biolights, providing electrical solutions efficiently and cost-effectively, which laid the foundation for her career in the industry. “Following my father’s passing, I stepped in as Vice Chairperson of Albarq and expanded my knowledge in electrical engineering with the help of various professional courses, along with the support of my business partners, mentorship from industry experts and building a robust network. Over time, I demonstrated my capabilities and became the Chairperson,” she says. Her leadership has seen Albarq grow, taking on projects of all scales across Bahrain.

When it comes to designing full-service electrical layouts, Ms. Chakraborty emphasises several critical factors: “Cost- effectiveness, safety, efficiency and functionality are paramount,” she says. “Albarq’s designs adhere to EWA and international standards, ensuring future scalability and coordination with other systems like HVAC and IT for optimal performance.”

The process of wiring and installation for both residential and commercial projects is meticulous. For residential projects, Ms. Chakraborty explains: “It starts with understanding the client’s needs, followed by planning, obtaining approvals and conducting the wiring and installation.” She notes that common challenges include space constraints in older homes and balancing budget with compliance. In commercial projects, the complexity increases, requiring approval from consultants or contractors, coordination with EWA and adherence to tight timelines.

“Challenges often revolve around integrating large-scale systems and meeting tight project timelines within budget constraints while ensuring quality and regulatory compliance, and integrating electrical systems with building automation,” she reveals.

Albarq’s approach to emergency power solutions, such as generators, is comprehensive. The process starts with assessing the client’s power needs and site conditions, followed by planning, design and skilled installation. Regular maintenance and monitoring ensure reliability during power outages, providing clients with dependable backup power.

Staying at the forefront of the electrical industry requires continuous learning and adaptation. “We attend industry conferences, conduct training programmes and stay informed through online resources and client feedback, ensuring our services remain cutting-edge,” Ms. Chakraborty shares.

Safety is another core value at Albarq, with rigorous measures in place to protect employees and clients. “We adhere to international and local safety standards, provide continuous training and ensure the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) at all job sites,” she remarks. Regular inspections and maintenance of tools and equipment further ensure a safe working environment.

As a woman leading in a traditionally male- dominated field, Ms. Chakraborty brings unique perspectives to her role. “Diversity drives innovation and creativity,” she says. She advocates for recognising the strengths both men and women bring to the table and emphasises the importance of collaboration for achieving balanced and effective leadership. “For women aspiring to leadership roles in the electrical or broader technical services industry, I advise them to be willing to take risks and step out of their comfort zone,” she advises. “Build strong technical expertise, seek mentorship and actively network to challenge stereotypes and support each other, fostering a collaborative environment.”

Looking to the future, Albarq aims to expand its service offerings by incorporating clean electricity and emerging technologies with a customer-centric approach, focusing on sustainability and exploring opportunities for geographic expansion.

Ms. Chakraborty takes inspiration from her Indian heritage. “The concept of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ meaning ‘The World is One Family,’ inspires me to cultivate empathy, compassion and kindness towards all people.”

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