Case Study: Stainless solutions to make your bridges last 100+ years
September 22, 2023
Stainless steel foot-over-bridges (FOBs) have become essential for pedestrian safety in congested urban areas. In India, where the population density is high, stainless steel FOBs have become a popular solution due to their durability, strength, and resistance to corrosion. This case study examines the benefits and drawbacks of using stainless steel foot-over-bridges in India, focusing on constructing one such bridge at Bhayandar Railway Station in Mumbai.
Bhayandar Railway Station
Bhayandar Railway Station is an important transit hub located in the Mumbai Division of the Western Railways. It serves the rapidly growing residential and commercial hub of Bhayandar in the Thane district of Maharashtra. Its well-connected transport network makes the station crucial for thousands of daily commuters and travellers.
Stainless steel is the ideal material for foot-over-bridges in railway stations in India for several reasons:
Durability: Stainless steel is strong and can withstand harsh weather conditions and heavy foot traffic.
Corrosion resistance: Stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosion, even in humid and polluted environments.
Low maintenance: Stainless steel FOBs require little to no upkeep, saving time and money in the long run.
Aesthetics: Stainless steel’s sleek and modern appearance enhances the look of railway stations and creates a positive impression for travellers and commuters.
Cost-effective: Stainless steel is a cost-effective option compared to other materials and offers long-lasting benefits.
Project Details
The Bhayandar foot-over-bridge project in Maharashtra revolutionised pedestrian movement around the Bhayandar Railway Station. Jindal Stainless Limited, India’s leading supplier of top-quality stainless steel products, provided the stainless steel used in its construction. A steadfast commitment to durability, longevity, and commuter safety is evident by employing stainless steel in this project.
| Project | Bhayandar FOB, Western Railway |
| Contractor | Sai Projects Mumbai Pvt Ltd., Mumbai |
| Fabricator | Sai Projects Mumbai Pvt Ltd., Mumbai |
| Stainless Steel Supplier | Jindal Stainless Ltd. |
The stainless steel used in the project
The Bhayandar foot-over-bridge project utilised high-quality stainless steel, specifically IRS350CR grade, known for its excellent corrosion resistance and durability. The project used HRAP plates and sheets ranging from 6mm to 40mm thickness applied to the girders, columns, and hollow sections of the bridge. A total of 170 metric tonnes of stainless steel ensures the strength and stability of the bridge for years to come.
| Grade | Product | Application | Quantity(MT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRS350CR | HRAP Plates/Sheets (6mm to 40mm thickness) | Griders/Columns/Hollow Sections | 170 |
Working with Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) to create a customised grade of stainless steel for bridge application:
Jindal Stainless set up a war room to solve challenges posed by Indian Railways. The challenges were to find or create the right grade of stainless steel for this application, incorporate this grade into the Policy Manual of RDSO for a pilot study, and finalise specifications and drawings as a benchmark for other bridge constructions. The project used the IRS350CR grade of stainless steel adhering to Design Life and Techno-Economics criteria stated by Indian Railways for bridges with a lifespan of over 100 years.
Partner Testimonials
“I am proud to be handling the first stainless steel bridge project in India. It is not only a milestone for Sai projects but for the entire construction industry. In the course of the construction of this bridge, we realized that stainless steel is much easier than we had anticipated initially. Thanks to the hand-holding of Jindal Stainless, our team is much better equipped to manage modern materials and equipment.“
– Mr Sunil Kodani, Managing Director, Sai Projects
Read more testimonials and the in-depth case study here.
The Bigger Picture – Infrastructure projects and Stainless Steel
The Bhayandar foot-over-bridge project showcases how stainless steel can create durable and visually-appealing infrastructure in India. The harsh coastal environment makes stainless steel an ideal choice due to its low maintenance and long-lasting qualities. The success of this project was possible through the collaboration between industry leaders like Jindal Stainless Limited and experienced contractors like Sai Projects Mumbai Private Limited. With more such projects in the pipeline, stainless steel’s use in infrastructure projects in India will continue to grow and contribute to the country’s development.
