Potain cranes help build India’s biggest new airport

Indian construction company Tata Projects is leading construction on the new Noida International Airport on the outskirts of New Delhi, India. To manage lifting work on the development the company purchased two Potain MCT 565 A topless tower cranes and rented three MCT 385 A tower cranes from Rental Partners. Once complete the Noida International Airport will be one of India's largest and most important airports.

The Potain cranes are heading the construction of the main terminal building, which is scheduled for completion at the end of 2024.

The MCT 565 A M25 models have a maximum capacity of 25 t and allow up to 80 m of jib. In collaboration with Manitowoc's Lift Solutions, Tata extended this reach to 85 m, allowing for greater jobsite coverage. The capability of Manitowoc’s Lift Solutions team to engineer this extension was a leading factor in Tata Project’s decision to purchase the cranes.

“We’re proud to have a longstanding relationship with Potain India,” said Alok Banik, deputy general manager of plant & machinery at Tata Projects. “Over the years, we’ve had remarkable performance from our older Potain cranes, some of which have been in operation for more than 25 years without a breakdown. That speaks volumes for the quality and durability of Potain cranes, and the MCT 565 A continues that proud tradition.”

The MCT 565 A cranes are lifting loads ranging from 1 to 4 t and have a freestanding height under hook of 60.9 m. Alongside them are the three MCT 385 A L16 cranes which have a maximum capacity of 16 t and have been configured with a 75 m jib length and at a height under hook of 61.4 m. The timeline for construction is very tight, so reliability and crane speed are crucial.

Tata Projects is a long-time Potain customer and owns over 50 of its cranes, using them on projects across India. The company is one of the largest and most-respected contractors in the country, with expertise in urban and industrial infrastructure projects. Previous landmark projects include the New Parliament Building, Delhi, and the Chennai Metro Rail.