Lalit Deshpande of Infra-Red Coastal Ventures Pvt Ltd is trying to carve a niche for himself in businesses as diverse as supply chain management, software development and electric vehicles. He spoke to AJIT JOHN about his plans for the businesses as well as the challenges ahead.
HERALD: You were a senior executive in Sesa Goa and then you decided to leave and start out on your own. What prompted this and why Goa?
LALIT DESHPANDE: This is a first generation business initiative. The business was established in February 2016 and we commenced operations in March. I have Sandeep Koduri who joined me from my earlier employer. I have been in Goa for 10 years and it has given us a lot. In my earlier assignment I saw several changes taking place and I decided that I wanted to do something. I wanted to return something to Goa. I had touched 50 and I decided it was time I struck out on my own. I felt it was important to generate employment for Goans and create a good positive work culture. We set up a supply chain business in Vasco which operates along the coastline. We deliver your goods from the delivery station to the address of the recipient. If a businessman in Goa wants to send his consignment to Kerala, it is picked up from his office, transported via sea to Kochi and then sent via road transport to the destination. It always works out cheaper for the paying party. We transfer pipes, salt… you name it is transported. It results in carbon reduction and more importantly a reduction in pollution since it is all out at sea. We have a software development division, sales of electric vehicles and operation support for mining and barging.
HERALD: What is so special about the various businesses?
LD: We provide end-to-end services. Like I mentioned earlier, from the interior of Goa to the interior of Gujarat, we can and will handle all the multi-mode transportation challenges. It is transported along the coast making us the only people in Goa to do this. With regards to software development, we develop mobile apps, design websites and ERP for mining operations and inventory for a client. We will also be selling electric vehicles. The scooters will cost anywhere between Rs 65,000 to Rs 75,000. With a top speed of 70 km, one charge can take the scooter 60 km. The passengers’ weight should not exceed 150 kg. The auto rickshaw will cost around Rs 1,80,000 and has a mileage of 70 km per charge.
With regards public transportation, the electric buses can transport anywhere between 32 to 60 passengers. We will be speaking to the government agencies, Kadamba as well as private companies for staff buses. Since the cost is on the higher side we will be looking to the government for some subsidy. At a later date we intend to introduce the hydraulic tipper.
HERALD: What is your target for the electric car division?
LD: I would like to see 1000 scooters and 500 rickshaws on the roads of Goa. We are not interested in disturbing the existing transportation model. We just want to be present in places where there is no transportation. We would like to see the scooters used in the delivery business. We are here to spread awareness for non polluting vehicles, a green Goa. We will be operating the electric buses since there is not a lot of money in operating scooters and rickshaws.
HERALD: You mentioned garbage management offline, could you please explain?
LD: We in fact have more projects in the offing. We would like to find a solution to the problem of pollution and we would also like to decongest Panjim and provide a solution to the problem of garbage in Goa. We are also exploring the possibility for a pilot project for toilets in Goa. 30% of rural Goa has access to a toilet. The toilet will be of international standard and will be based on the needs of the people of the State. We are redefining innovation.
HERALD: Where do you see your business in five years?
LD: We would like to provide employment to Goan designers and I would like to see the emergence of a mini hub for software development. I would like to have 100% Goan personnel in the software unit and 70% in the supply chain unit. We are looking for a 1000 toilet pilot project and I hope there will be an end to open defecation.
HERALD: What is your targeted turnover in the next couple of years?
LD: I am not keen on a lot of money. My needs are not many. I would like to share a large percentage of the profits with my employees. I would also like to see people grow with us especially those who were with us from day one and then retire also from this company. I want to work for another 5 years and then handover this company to Sandeep Koduri. There is a 20 year difference between us. The next generation leader is already here. I want a smooth transition. Perhaps my daughter who is studying information technology will join the company. This company should make its mark and I am sure it will.
