July 21, 2021
Atlas Copco’s HiLight V5+ light towers provide power for the Zojila tunnel project in the Kashmir valley (India). This 14.2 km long road tunnel will be one of the largest tunnels in Asia, and will connect the Srinagar valley and Leh, making travel safer and reducing travel time from 3 hours to 15 minutes
Atlas Copco's HiLight V5+ on site
The Zojila tunnel is in a hilly terrain and work needs to be completed within strict deadlines to reduce the risk of monsoons. With vigorous day and night shifts, Atlas Copco’s light towers have been providing reliable, efficient, and safe light power with no interruptions. When choosing a light tower for this project, Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd. advised light coverage, fuel consumption, sturdiness in a harsh working environment, operational costs, reliability, and easy serviceability were some of the important criteria which were considered and reviewed. “Complemented with a long-standing business relationship, after trialing the HiLight V5+, it was apparent in the results that it would be the perfect light tower for this crucial tunnel expansion”, comments, Suresh Ranjan, Atlas Copco Territory Manager.
Further, Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd. has already experienced how the stability and robustness of the HiLight V5+ light tower enables it to withstand wind speeds of over 80km/hr. which was why it was chosen as the ideal machine in this rugged and harsh environment. “We know from past projects that the Atlas Copco’s service reach and team expertise is very good even in the most remote areas and for our type of project, it is critical that service support is a top priority”, said, Mr. Padmanabhan, GM Capex, Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd.
We are confident that high fuel efficiency, wider light coverage, durability and longer life span of the LED lamps in the HiLight V5+ light towers will be fulfilled. Atlas Copco ensures we get the right solution for our requirements, which we have experienced on all our projects so far.
HiLight V5+ at Zojila tunnel's construction
The work site is in an isolated location with minimal access to power, transportation, and connectivity. At a temperature of -2 degrees Celsius and an altitude of 2,000 feet above sea level, commissioning and servicing of the light towers requires precision and skill. In conditions with low temperatures, low oxygen and tough mountain terrain, any physical work completed there for 15 minutes is like working for an hour at ground level. “With the right technical skill, and consistent training, our service team can manage commissioning in the valley within 4 to 5 hours”, says, Malay Behera, Atlas Copco Regional Service Manager. “In this highly demanding environment, the roads and walkways are completely covered with thick layers of 1-2 meters of ice, it is essential that the light tower must deliver light coverage and power as expected. I feel proud to see our light tower standing tall in this beautiful workplace”.
