The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : BSNL to try out rust-proof tower

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Saturday, Feb 05, 2005

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

BSNL to try out rust-proof tower

By Our Staff Reporter

VIJAYAWADA, FEB. 4. In its bid to prevent damage to the communication system due to corrosion, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is toying with the idea of setting up a rust-free 100-metre tall RCC tower in Machilipatnam on an experimental basis. This is a first-of-its-kind project in the country.

The communication network in Machilipatnam area was among the worst hit in the region in the recent tidal wave.

Rs. 3 crores

The RCC tower project is estimated to cost Rs. 3 crores and is proposed to be constructed 20 feet above ground level so that it will not be affected by flood waters in times of cyclones and other calamities.

Steel is normally used in constructing these towers but it gets corroded in saline weather, so it will be replaced by RCC.

"We are expecting to complete the project in three to four months. The idea is to avoid damage to communications network in times of calamities," the Chief General Manager, Southern Telecom Projects, Chennai, B.P.S. Pai, said.

Addressing a press conference here on Friday, Mr. Pai said the project would prevent communication failure even if floodwaters rise up to 20 feet.

The General Manager, Transmission Project, BSNL, Hyderabad, K.M. Doraiswamy, who also spoke, said the transmission system had been planned from Machilipatnam to Vijayawada via Gudiwada. The tower would cater to microwave transmission system connecting GSM and WLL technologies and also the local exchange at a height of 20 feet.

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