LOOKING UP

Tower cranes come in several types to cater to the new and emerging kinds of residential and infrastructure projects

- JAYASHREE KINI MENDES

They stand majestically and most of the time silent in the sky. Towering hundreds of feet above ground, tower cranes are a ubiquitous element in cities, mainly metros. Of course, one can find them at remote locations too where industrial and infrastructure projects are coming up such as factories, dams, power plants, etc. It’s not always residential, though that would comprise a larger majority where they find employment.

However, though the residential sector has been subdued for some time now, tower cranes have found utility in infrastructure projects. Prashant Suryawanshi, MD, tower cranes, India & subcontinent, Manitowoc Cranes, says, “Infrastructure sector is a key driver for the Indian economy. The Indian government is expected to invest highly in the infrastructure sector, mainly in highways, renewable energy and urban transport. The government has introduced various schemes like “Housing for all by 2022” and “affordable housing schemes” to further boost the sector and to attract more investment. Due to the increased investment in infrastructure, we expect demand for tower canes to also increase.”

With pre-cast construction technique taking a leap, builders and developers are the major demand drivers of tower cranes in India. Mayank Pundir, country head, tower cranes, Action Construction Equipment (ACE), says, “The ACE 12T & 16T tower cranes are the first choice under pre-cast segment such as affordable housing projects under PMAY as well as industrial projects for both RCC work, steel fabrication, and erection work. They are also used in various infrastructure projects like flyovers, bridges, Metros, etc. and at yards for safe and proper handling of precast elements.”