CEO Insights Magazine

Establishing a collaborative and inclusive workplace is of utmost importance for leaders. It cultivates a spirit of togetherness and cooperation among team members. Through their focus on building robust connections and eliminating structural obstacles, leaders like Murali Varadarajan create an environment where communication flows freely, ensuring that each team member's perspective is acknowledged and valued. This kind of setting ignites creativity and original thinking, enabling the organization to not only survive but also thrive in an ever-evolving world.

Murali’s leadership is marked by his expertise in cultivating a collaborative and inclusive workplace, prioritizing strong relationships and the removal of organizational barriers. His project management strategy transcends the ordinary, pushing boundaries and seeking innovative solutions, owing to his keen eye for detail and ability to envision the bigger picture. This enables him to identify often - overlooked opportunities, shaping strategies that not only achieve immediate goals but also leave a lasting organizational impact. His leadership style reflects a commitment to nurturing talent, empowering team members, and fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, resulting in heightened productivity and job satisfaction levels.

Below is an excerpt of Murali Varadarajan’s exclusive interaction with CEO Insights magazine.

How has your professional journey been so far? What motivates your daily routines?
My professional journey fuses experiences, education, and a fervour for Aviation and Urban Transportation. Driven by the quest for fulfilment, I believe success emanates from passion. This fuels my hunger for fresh experiences, risk-taking, and leaving my comfort zones. Daily, I am motivated by making an impact at L&T Metro, seeking new challenges to learn and grow. The pursuit of knowledge propels me. Achievements, be it solving complex problems or aiding an organization, reinforce my drive. Moreover, colleague and mentor

support also ignite me as teamwork and shared ideas foster personal and professional development.

My motivation springs from personal zeal, knowledge pursuit, impact potential, and collaborative support.

Define L&T Metro Rail’s position in the citizen mobility and development of the metropolis that meets the growing needs of transportation in Hyderabad.
L&T Metro Rail, also known as Hyderabad Metro Rail(HMR), assumes a vital role in addressing the city's mobility and developmental needs. Operating as a contemporary rapid transit system, it offers efficient, reliable, and eco-friendly transportation options. By curbing traffic congestion, reducing travel times, and enhancing overall connectivity, L&T Metro Rail significantly contributes to Hyderabad's urban landscape. The network's strategic integration of key areas fosters seamless accessibility for residents and visitors alike. Beyond its infrastructural impact, the presence of L&T Metro Rail spurs economic growth, driving investments and transit-oriented developments. Moreover, its affordability and inclusivity make it a preferred mode of transit for diverse commuters, underlining its significance as a unifying force in the city's journey toward sustainable progress.

As the Chief Strategy Officer, what are the factors you look into when developing effective corporate growth strategies?
In our strategic approach, several key factors bolster the growth trajectory. Firstly, we conduct comprehensive market analyses encompassing Hyderabad and its catchment area. This involves gauging current and future transportation demands, identifying emerging trends, and evaluating the competitive landscape. Secondly, our market research uncovers deep customer insights, understanding their preferences and expectations. Our team translates this into actionable improvements and innovative service offerings, aligning with evolving customer demands. Thirdly, I advocate robust stakeholder collaboration, forging alliances with government bodies, local communities, and industry partners, fostering mutual goals and beneficial partnerships. Fourthly, staying attuned to technological advances in transportation, we

integrate emerging solutions to enhance efficiency, customer experience, and sustainability. Fifthly, we conduct rigorous financial analyses, identifying revenue growth potential and optimizing cost structures. Regulatory compliance and long-term planning also underpin our strategies, ensuring sustainable growth.

You possess strong professional experience across Transportation, Airports, Energy, and Hospitality, how do you apply your experience across LT Metro Rail’s operations?
The Customer is at the core of every sector highlighted. In my role within the Metro team, my primary focus is on increasing ridership and enhancing fare and non fare revenues. I am also happy to report that our daily ridership now has surpassed 500,000+ commuters, surging past the FY23 daily average of 360,000. This milestone aligns perfectly with the positive trends we are witnessing in non-fare revenue streams, indicating strong growth potential in the near future.

What is the future destination you are headed towards?
The future of L&T Metro Rail holds the promise of continuous growth in traffic, refine our product offering and enhance the inter-modal connectivity. This may involve the development of new metro lines, extensions, infrastructure upgrades, and the integration of advanced technologies to improve operations and enhance the customer experience. It is crucial for us to seamlessly integrate transportation networks and stay updated with industry trends. To capitalize on the opportunities that lie ahead, I understand the importance of continually improving my skills, staying informed, and actively seeking avenues for professional growth within L&T Metro Rail or the broader transportation sector.

Murali Varadarajan, Chief Strategy Officer, L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad
Murali Varadarajan is an accomplished professional with a background rooted in M. Tech from IIT Madras and IIM(B). He is also an alumnus of Ecole Nationale de l'Aviation Civile(ENAC), Toulouse France, where he obtained an advanced Master’s degree in Airport management. His journey includes pivotal roles in esteemed organizations like L&T, Airbiz, Mumbai International Airport Limited and GVK Power & Infrastructure Ltd. With a proven track record, His dedication, determination, and proven capabilities have earned him a reputation as a trusted leader and industry expert. His expertise and leadership skills continue to contribute to the growth and success of the organizations he serves.