In a significant development highlighting India’s stride in technological innovation, IG Drones, a prominent Indian drone technology and analytics company, has secured a pivotal contract for pipeline inspection at the recently inaugurated NTPC Darlipali Thermal Power Station in Odisha. This project, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 3, marks a crucial step towards ensuring the efficiency and reliability of vital infrastructure in the country.
The contract entails drone surveillance of the MUW (Medium and Ultra High Molecular Weight) piping system at the NTPC Darlipali Thermal Power Station for a duration of two years. MUW pipes are renowned for their unique properties and are extensively used in various industries, including power generation plants like NTPC. The Darlipali station, with a capacity of 2×800 MW, stands as one of the coal-based power plants under NTPC Limited.
The importance of meticulous pipeline inspection cannot be overstated, especially in industries where a minor leak can lead to significant losses and environmental damage. Research indicates that even a 1% leak in a 20-inch pipeline can result in the loss of 4,50,000 barrels per year, potentially impacting an area of up to 10 square kilometres. Thus, the utilisation of advanced drone technology becomes imperative to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of pipeline inspections.
Commenting on this development, Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, Founder & CEO of IG Drones, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are excited to partner with NTPC for this project, where we will leverage our state-of-the-art drone technology to provide watch and ward services and drone surveillance for the MUW piping system at NTPC Darlipali. This opportunity further validates our commitment to utilising Made-In-India technology to propel India’s journey towards becoming a global drone superpower.”
This contract adds to IG Drones’ portfolio of notable projects, including a similar pipeline inspection endeavour with Indian Oil Corporation Ltd, secured through the Government e Marketplace (GeM). The company’s strategic vision encompasses the establishment of over 15 Centers of Excellence (CoE) across India, with plans to expand to 1,000 CoEs, aimed at nurturing and empowering India’s youth in advanced drone technology.
With a proactive approach towards collaboration, IG Drones has forged partnerships with multiple state governments, more than 100 Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), and leading Multinational Corporations (MNCs). Such alliances enable the company to offer a comprehensive range of drone-related services, further solidifying its position as a frontrunner in the Indian drone industry.
