Startup Odisha supported drone technology company IG Drones said that it has been awarded a contract for pipeline inspection at the NTPC Darlipali Thermal Power Station in Odisha. Under the contract, IG Drones will carry out drone surveillance of the MUW piping system for two years. The NTPC Darlipali Super Thermal Power Station, with a capacity of 2×800 MW, was officially launched by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 3.
The MUW (Medium and Ultra High Molecular Weight) pipes, utilised in various industries including power generation, are known for their unique properties. The Darlipali station, a coal-based power plant operated by NTPC, sources its coal from the Dulanga and Pakri Barwadih Coal Block and its water from the Hirakund Reservoir on the Mahanadi River, which is located approximately 30 km from the project site.
Research indicates that a 1% leak in a 20-inch pipeline can result in a significant loss of resources and environmental damage, emphasising the importance of reliable and efficient pipeline inspections. Drone technology, as highlighted in the project, can enhance the efficiency of these inspections by up to 80%.
“We are excited to partner with NTPC for this project where we will be using our state-of-the-art drone technology. We will be providing Watch and Ward services and drone surveillance for the MUW piping system at NTPC Darlipali for two years. This is yet another feather in our cap after securing a procurement order from the Ministry of Defence to provide drones for surveillance projects. We are here to lead India's journey to be the Global Drone Superpower with Made-In-India technology. We also aim to bolster drone infrastructure and research in the country by establishing drone centers of excellence, with our latest CoE at IIM Sambalpur,” said Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, Founder & CEO of IG Drones.
IG Drones has previously been involved in a similar project with Indian Oil Corporation, secured through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM). The company plans to start this project in April 2024.
The company said that it has set up over 15 Centers of Excellence (CoE) across India and aims to establish 1000 more to train the youth in advanced drone technology. IG Drones has formed strategic collaborations with multiple state governments, over 100 Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), and leading Multinational Corporations (MNCs), offering a wide range of drone-related services.
