Sterlite Power has announced the commencement of aerial operations to expedite the construction of its flagship Mumbai Urja Marg Project (MUML).
To fast-track the completion of the 400kV transmission corridor connecting Padgha to Khargar, which links Mumbai to the national grid, Sterlite Power has proactively deployed state-of-the-art lightweight helicopters to overcome the challenges of terrain and speed up material transfer, the release said.
Material movement
The aerial operations will involve the movement of around 3,000 tonnes of material over a period of two months. The lightweight helicopter “AS 350 B3” with a load-carrying capacity of up to 1,000 kg (1 tonne) per sortie will be pressed into service to transport heavy equipment and material across several locations in and around the Mumbai region.
To carry out this herculean task, a 13-acre helicopter yard has been constructed to house and load the machine for sorties.
Project of national significance
Sterlite Power’s Mumbai Urja Marg project is a vital cog in the Centre’s plan to fulfill the escalating electricity demands of Mumbai. As a project of national significance, MUML is being closely monitored by the Prime Minister’s Office via the PRAGATI Portal. Once operational, the project will have the potential to carry more than 2000 MW of additional power to Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
Innovative technological intervention
Reflecting on the company’s unique use of technology, Manish Agarwal, Director & CEO – India Transmission, Sterlite Power, said, “Our endeavor has always been to use technology as a harbinger of greater good and development. The aviation operation MUML is a proactive step forward on our part and one that will significantly benefit MUML by reducing the turnaround time for the delivery of materials, thus, speeding up the project execution. With these innovative technological interventions, Sterlite Power aims to continue addressing the key constraints of time, space, and capital to deliver the toughest projects on or before time.”
He further added, “This is Sterlite Power’s seventh aviation operation. It is an exemplary showcase of the organization’s innovative spirit and testifies to our unwavering resolve to light up India’s darkest corners with reliable power.”
Best global practices
Sterlite Power is a pioneer in introducing some of the best global practices in the Indian power transmission sector, including the first-time use of helicranes for its mega project in Kashmir. It comes close on the heels of a similar feat for the NER-II project where helicopters were used to deliver heavy materials. In an ever-changing technological landscape, all efforts of the organization are directed toward achieving sustainable development.
Also read: Sterlite Power Wins Major Transmission Project In Rajasthan, In TBCB Mode
Editor’s Note: The transmission project envisaged under “Mumbai Urja Marg Ltd” was awarded to Sterlite Power under the TBCB modality, in March 2020. The project has four components denoted as Part A, Part B, Part C and Part D. The 400kV line discussed in this story is a component of “Part C”. The overall project, with an estimated outlay of Rs.2,600 crore, is officially referred to as the “Western Region Strengthening Scheme – XIX and North Eastern Region Strengthening Scheme – IX”. The project SPV “Mumbai Urja Marg Ltd” was earlier known as “Vapi-II – North Lakhimpur Transmission Ltd.”
