BUDGET: Between 5 crore INR and 9.99 crore INR (More than USD672,000 but less than USD1.35 million)
Project Overview
As part of the modernisation and security enhancement of the historic Chadwick House in Shimla, this project involved the end-to-end design, supply, installation, integration, testing, and commissioning of a state-of-the-art CCTV surveillance system. Executed under the specifications of CPWD and to the highest standards of quality and safety, the work encompassed not only the core surveillance infrastructure but also associated power and communication cabling.
The project demanded precise coordination with ongoing civil works and meticulous planning of concealed conduit layouts, approved by the client before execution. All materials used were pre-approved by the Engineer-in-Charge to ensure quality compliance. Special attention was paid to site cleanliness, worker safety, and protection of the heritage structure during execution.
Final commissioning involved rigorous inspection by the department, with optional third-party verification to validate system performance against project specifications. The successful delivery of this integrated surveillance system has significantly enhanced site security while respecting the architectural integrity and heritage value of Chadwick House.
What did the client want to achieve?
The client’s vision for Chadwick House extended beyond physical restoration—they aimed to preserve its historical and architectural legacy while making it accessible and secure for future generations. As a colonial-era residence with significant heritage value, Chadwick House had suffered years of neglect, making its revival both urgent and meaningful.
The client wanted to protect the restored structure from vandalism, unauthorised access, and environmental risks by implementing a discreet yet robust CCTV surveillance system. The goal was to ensure round-the-clock monitoring without compromising the aesthetic integrity of the heritage site.
By integrating modern security technology, the client sought to create a safe, well-managed space that would support public engagement while preserving the building’s authenticity. This included enabling site staff to oversee daily operations more efficiently and to respond swiftly to any incidents.
Scope of work your company was involved in
The Chadwick House project involved the end-to-end implementation of a comprehensive CCTV surveillance system to enhance the security and preservation of this restored heritage site in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. The scope included the design, supply, installation, integration, testing, and commissioning of CCTV equipment along with associated power and communication cabling.
Executed as per the latest CPWD electrical specifications, the project required close coordination with civil restoration works to ensure that all installations were non-intrusive and heritage-sensitive. Custom conduit layouts were developed and approved to maintain the building’s aesthetic integrity. The contractor was responsible for site safety, debris removal, transportation, material storage, and safeguarding of assets without any additional cost to the client.
Hidden works were conducted under supervision, with complete accountability for damage prevention and compliance with safety standards. Tricolor also conducted insulation and earth continuity tests as per IE rules, ensuring technical robustness.
To enable smooth operation post-installation, a 2-day operational and troubleshooting training was provided to client-nominated personnel.
What Key Challenges were faced?
The project encountered several key challenges during execution. Availability of skilled manpower in a remote location like Shimla proved difficult, especially for specialised tasks such as conduit routing within a heritage structure, requiring careful coordination and extended timelines.
The sharp rise in material costs, particularly post-COVID, impacted budget planning and required continuous revalidation of sourcing strategies to maintain quality without compromising specifications. Additionally, delays in the supply of critical equipment and components—due to logistical constraints and transportation challenges in hilly terrain—further strained the project timeline.
Despite these hurdles, the team maintained close coordination with the client and adapted to evolving site conditions to ensure timely and quality delivery.
How were those challenges resolved?
To address the manpower shortage, the team mobilised skilled technicians from nearby regions and adjusted work schedules to optimise productivity with a smaller crew. Local labour was also trained for basic support tasks, reducing dependency on external resources.
The impact of rising material costs was managed through proactive vendor negotiations, bulk procurement where possible, and careful value engineering—ensuring that no compromises were made on quality or compliance.
For delays in equipment supply, the team adopted a staggered delivery approach and closely tracked vendor timelines. Temporary solutions were used to maintain progress on-site until final components arrived. Strong coordination with the client and real-time problem-solving allowed the project to remain on track.
These strategic, adaptive measures helped the team overcome logistical, financial, and resource-related challenges while upholding the integrity and standards of the heritage project.
How has your work helped the client
When work began, Chadwick House was a neglected, deteriorating structure—its walls crumbling, its heritage nearly forgotten. Today, after its thoughtful restoration and the integration of a modern surveillance system, it stands as a beautifully revived symbol of Shimla’s colonial past and institutional legacy.
Our work played a crucial role in securing the site, making it safe for public access without compromising its architectural character. With its transformation, Chadwick House has not only regained its grandeur but has become a centre of attraction, drawing visitors, students, and history enthusiasts from across the region.
Importantly, the site now serves as a unique platform to raise awareness about the role and legacy of Indian auditors. By opening its doors to the public, it connects citizens with the work of the CAG in a space that is both informative and inspiring. The project has thus helped the client achieve their dual vision—heritage preservation and public engagement.
What are you most proud of about the project?
What makes us most proud about the Chadwick House project is the transformation we helped bring to life—from a dilapidated, forgotten structure to a remarkable space that inspires, educates, and preserves history.
We seamlessly integrated technology with storytelling, breathing life into a narrative that was once unknown to many. Through immersive AV installations and carefully crafted, life-like figures of prominent personalities, we’ve created an experience that transports visitors back in time, allowing them to engage with history in a deeply personal and memorable way.
This project is not just a technical success—it’s a celebration of heritage. Every element, from the layout of the surveillance system to the visual and spatial design, was delivered not only with precision and adherence to the agreement but with an eye for beauty, detail, and emotional resonance. It is a space that now lives, speaks, and connects—something we take immense pride in.
VIDEO: https://youtu.be/ykTI2P1V61w?si=nxE5G56adCFFKbB6
