Srinagar Khyber Cement Joins Engineers Institution To Empower Local Construction Professionals
Srinagar witnessed a significant boost for its construction sector as Khyber Cement partnered with The Institution of Engineers (India) to train local non-engineer builders through an Urdu-medium programme. Held on 5–6 December, the two-day workshop, Zabaan-o-Bunyad, provided practical, expert-led technical guidance aimed at improving construction quality, safety, and skills among grassroots professionals. The initiative reflects a strategic effort to strengthen Kashmir’s infrastructure while empowering the workforce that shapes the region’s built environment.
The programme brought together a distinguished panel of academicians, senior engineers, and technical experts from institutions including NIT Srinagar, GCET, SSM College of Engineering, and JKPPD. Their sessions focused on practical construction knowledge, material handling, and site-level decision-making — essential competencies often lacking among non-engineer builders who form the backbone of Kashmir’s construction sector. By offering structured, language-accessible training, the initiative addressed a long-standing skills gap in the region.Officials emphasised the broader significance of the collaboration, noting that safer, technically informed construction practices can directly influence the durability of buildings, resilience of infrastructure, and long-term urban growth. A senior administrative official attending the event highlighted that initiatives like this align with government efforts to strengthen local construction standards and encourage climate-resilient urban development.Khyber Cement’s leadership described the programme as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to community empowerment. “Providing structured training to non-engineers ensures that quality and safety extend beyond blueprints to the people executing construction on the ground,” said a senior operations director. Another executive noted that the partnership reflects a core belief in uplifting communities, combining technical expertise with local engagement to create sustainable outcomes for the region.
The workshop featured hands-on demonstrations, interactive sessions, and practical exercises to ensure participants could apply lessons directly to their work. Trainers emphasised modern construction techniques, safe material handling, and adherence to engineering principles — all contextualised for real-world challenges in Kashmir’s unique terrain. Experts believe that such practical guidance can reduce construction risks, improve quality, and foster more resilient housing and public infrastructure.Beyond technical skills, the initiative reinforces Khyber Cement’s larger community-centric approach, which includes supporting youth programmes, promoting sports, and enabling ongoing skill development. By investing in human capital at the grassroots level, the company contributes to inclusive urban growth, sustainable city-building, and the creation of a capable, technically confident workforce.
With over a century of engineering expertise brought by The Institution of Engineers (India) and Khyber Cement’s deep regional engagement, Zabaan-o-Bunyad demonstrates how targeted, language-sensitive training can strengthen Kashmir’s construction ecosystem. Experts suggest that scaling such initiatives across the Valley could significantly elevate construction standards, safety, and community resilience, ultimately contributing to smarter, more sustainable urban development.
