With a symbolic laying of the first crawler pads the erection of two new bucketwheel excavators from Takraf India, a Tenova Takraf subsidiary,  commenced at the end of 2013 this year – only 11 months after the award and ahead of the contracted date. The inauguration in Neyveli, India, started with a traditional “Pooja” by a Hindu priest, blessing the erection site and the workers. Around fifty esteemed guests from lignite mining group and customer Neyveli Lignite Corporation, Takraf India were present as well as some of the main subcontractors.

During the next 24 months the two large-scale bucket wheel excavators will be erected and installed comprising of around 5,400 t of structural steel, mechanical components and electrical systems. The excavators have a theoretical output of 5,460 m³/h and each will be utilised for removing overburden. In the peak construction periods more than 200 people will be working at the project site under the supervision of Takraf India. The excavators are scheduled to go into operation in July 2015.