Bhubaneswar/Delhi: Reportedly Cyclone Fani is the fiercest calamity to hit coastal India in past two decades and has led to losses of nearly Rs 12,000 crore, according to an estimate made by central govt. The cyclone has led to a widespread loss of life and property. Although amidst the debris of houses, trees, and other public infrastructure the recently installed stainless steel bus shelters by Jindal Stainless in the city have been barely affected. The overall structures remained intact despite the high-intensity wind roaring up to 240 kmph, reflecting the strength of stainless steel in extreme weather conditions.
These BQSs were installed in February this year by Jindal Stainless as part of a government project. Even after the cyclone, they require minimal fixing, apart from replacing non-stainless steel multiwall roof sheets, city map doors and tube lights, which were damaged due to the falling of surrounding trees and signage. Jindal Stainless has already initiated the work to upkeep these BQSs.
"Odisha is a coastal state and is prone to frequent cyclones. Hence, there is an imperative need for choosing a strong and all-weather material for the safe and maintenance-free infrastructural demands of the city"-Abhyuday Jindal
Highlighting the role of stainless steel in social infrastructure, especially in natural calamity-prone areas and saline environment, Abhyuday Jindal, MD, Jindal Stainless said, "Odisha is a coastal state and is prone to frequent cyclones. Hence, there is an imperative need for choosing a strong and all-weather material for the safe and maintenance-free infrastructural demands of the city. The standing stainless steel BQSs have highlighted the strength and unparalleled impact resistance aspects of the metal"
India has a vast coastline of nearly 7500 km. In order to reduce damage and strengthen infrastructure in coastal areas, there is a need for robust stainless steel infrastructure, primarily for the safety of the people residing in those regions, mentioned a press statement issued by Jindal stainless. Stainless steel also resists accelerated deterioration due to coastal salt exposure thus a perfect raw-material for infrastructural development in coastal areas. For example, the corrosion rate of mild steel is typically 100 times that of a good quality stainless steel grade in such environments. With an accurate and strategic choice of stainless steel grades and specifications, the material can retain its aesthetics for almost a century, it added.