Krishna Buildestates Pvt. Ltd. (KBE) has stood the test of time for over seven decades, building not just projects but also trust, partnerships, and communities. Today, under the leadership of Rahul and Bharat Bahl, the third generation of the founding family, KBE is redefining construction with innovation, sustainability, and a people-first approach. From iconic collaborations with industry leaders to embedding accountability at every step, the company’s journey reflects its guiding philosophy—“Building Trust at Every Level.” In this exclusive Founder Stories feature with EQ Mint, the Bahl brothers talk about their legacy, leadership, and the ambitious vision for the decade ahead.
1. KBE is now led by its third generation. How has the company’s vision and philosophyevolved from its founding in 1949 to today?
Our foundation was laid in 1949 on the values of integrity, hard work, and accountability. Our grandfather, the late Shri Kewal Krishan Bahl, had a very modest beginning in the small town of Sham Chaurasi in Punjab. Slowly but steadily, his perseverance paid off. From small contracts to the landmark projects, he established the Krishna Group.
Today, after seven decades in the industry, the values and lessons imparted by him and, eventually, our father, Dr Rakesh Bahl, have remained our north star. With KBE, what has evolved is the scale and sophistication of our projects. We now deliver complex healthcare, high-rise residential, and data centre infrastructure across India, driven by innovation, sustainability, and a commitment to nation-building.
2. In an industry often criticized for delays and quality issues, KBE stands by the motto“Building Trust at Every Level.” What does this mean in practice, and how do you ensureit across projects?
Just like Rome wasn’t built in a day, trust too is built over time. KBE stands tall on the foundation of discipline, responsibility, and teamwork. For us, trust is generated through the small everyday details, including transparent contracts, fair and equal treatment of workers, consistent communication with clients, and delivering what we promise, on time. But trust also extends beyond delivery.
It means embedding sustainability into our construction practices to honour the environment. It means valuing our staff and workforce, who are critical to our success, by ensuring their safety, growth, and dignity. “At every level” isn’t just about project floors; it’s about every stakeholder, from labour on site to boardroom partners to our clients. It means that accountability is embedded in our core culture.
3. You have long-standing collaborations with industry leaders like Godrej, Mahindra, M3M, and Hero. What is the secret to building and maintaining such trusted partnerships?
Partnerships thrive when you deliver consistently and treat relationships with respect, be it an investor, contractor, or mason on-site. For us, execution quality and transparency are non-negotiable. That’s why our partners return to us, because they know we don’t cut corners, we solve problems collaboratively, we keep our words, and we think long-term rather than chasing short-term gains. Our goal is very clear; we are in it for the long haul. We aspire to build a Fortune 500 company, and for that, our partnerships and collaborations are the most important pillars of success.
4. Both of you—Rahul and Bharat—bring international exposure and diverse expertise.How does your leadership style shape KBE’s culture, and what vision do you hold for thenext decade?
Both of us are engineering graduates from Aston University, and we bring distinct yet complementary leadership skills to the table. I (Rahul) focus on business development, strategy, finance, and project operations across India. My experience in project management and client relations has helped position KBE as a trusted partner across diverse sectors. Bharat has been pivotal in driving our expansion, combining technical expertise with business acumen to strengthen our presence in key regions and build lasting relationships with industry leaders and global networks.
Together, we’ve shaped a culture of empowerment, youth leadership, and continuous learning. Looking ahead, our vision is for KBE to evolve as a global design+build specialist, leveraging BIM, AI, and modular construction, while staying rooted in the values that have guided us since the very beginning.
5. Beyond construction, KBE is also committed to sustainability and community initiatives. How do you see the role of construction companies in driving social and environmental change in India?
Construction processes contribute roughly 10% of global carbon emissions, while building operations account for another 28%—together nearly 37% of the total. The responsibility in our sector is immense. At KBE, we embed sustainability and circular economy principles across the value chain, from sourcing eco-friendly materials and reducing waste to designing for long-term efficiency. The benefits are clear: lowering emissions, conserving resources, and creating buildings that perform better over their lifecycle.
Through Rotary International and the KBE Foundation, we actively support initiatives in education, healthcare, inclusion, and sustainable development. Our commitment to corporate social responsibility stems from a belief that construction companies must create lasting, positive change, not just through the projects we deliver, but by contributing to the larger social good. The road to nation-building is paved with the lives touched and futures enabled.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information available from public sources. It has not been reported by EQMint journalists. EQMint has compiled and presented the content for informational purposes only and does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness. Readers are advised to verify details independently before relying on them.
