Carl Devlin: Mega Project Management Secrets

Carl Devlin: Mega Project Management Secrets

From Engineers Journal AMPLIFIED by Engineers Journal Ireland

June 1, 2026 · 36 min · Episode 62

About this episode

This episode features Carl Devlin discussing the challenges and strategies in managing mega projects effectively.

Mega projects often struggle under their own sheer weight, leading to massive budget overruns, stakeholder conflict, and unmanaged complexity. The challenge lies in managing change ruthlessly while maintaining safety and quality across vast, long-term undertakings. This episode explores the disciplined mindset required to deliver major infrastructure on time and on budget, focusing on "right-to-left" planning, risk ownership, and the crucial role of collaboration. We also look at how digital tools like BIM and AI are revolutionising project delivery and safety in the construction sector. Our guest is Carl Devlin, Capital Works Director at MTR Corporation. His three decades of experience include senior leadership on iconic projects such as London Heathrow Terminal 5 and upgrading 40 per cent of the London Underground network THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT Driving career with big goals Right-to-left planning and requirements Minimising change on mega projects Leading rail expansion in Hong Kong Using AI for construction safety GUEST DETAILS Carl Devlin is the Capital Works Director at MTR Corporation. He oversees new railway projects and major upgrades for Hong Kong's sophisticated…

People in this episode

Guest: Carl Devlin

Topics covered

  • mega project management
  • infrastructure delivery
  • risk ownership
  • digital tools in construction
  • collaboration in projects

Keywords

  • mega projects
  • budget overruns
  • stakeholder conflict
  • right-to-left planning
  • AI in construction
  • BIM
  • project delivery
  • safety
  • digital transformation

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: MTR Corporation

Places: Hong Kong, London Heathrow Terminal 5, London Underground

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