Bahubali on the move: A 400-tyre, 3,500 horsepower behemoth takes on India's highways

Forget your average 18-wheelers; India's roads are now being traversed by a colossal truck aptly named "Bahubali." This behemoth, boasting an astounding 400 tyres and 3,500 horsepower, is turning heads and capturing imaginations as it embarks on an epic journey from Gujarat to Haryana, carrying massive boiler components for a refinery in Panipat.

This isn't just any oversized load; it's an engineering marvel that requires meticulous planning, a dedicated team of 250 individuals, and even the construction of temporary bridges to navigate its path. The Bahubali, along with its companion vehicle (equally impressive with its 400 tyres), departed from Kandla port in Gujarat a year ago, and its journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Bridging the gap

One of the most captivating moments of this journey occurred recently when the Bahubali encountered the Sirsa branch canal in Narwana. A temporary bridge, specially constructed to withstand the immense weight of the truck and its cargo, was erected, drawing crowds of curious onlookers.

The crossing itself was a spectacle. Initially, five puller trucks attempted to haul the trailer up the incline, but their combined might proved insufficient. Two additional puller trucks were then brought in, their engines roaring in unison as they finally managed to guide the massive trailer across the bridge. The scene was met with cheers and applause from the gathered crowd, a testament to the awe-inspiring feat of engineering and human collaboration.

Powering the behemoth

Each trailer, weighing approximately 800 tonnes with its boiler component, requires immense power to navigate India's diverse terrain. On flat roads, the trailers are towed by powerful puller trucks, each generating over 500 horsepower. However, for steep inclines or bridges, multiple puller trucks are employed, their combined power reaching a staggering 1,500 to 2,000 horsepower.

A Journey of precision and perseverance

The Bahubali's journey is a testament to meticulous planning and coordination. A dedicated team of 250 individuals oversees every aspect of the operation, from logistics and route mapping to technical support and obstacle removal. This team clears the path ahead, ensuring that power lines are raised, railway gates are widened, and roadblocks are removed to accommodate the massive convoy.

The construction of temporary bridges, like the one over the Sirsa canal, is a crucial aspect of this journey. These bridges, typically built in 15 to 20 days, are designed to withstand the immense weight of the Bahubali and its cargo. The recent bridge, with a capacity of 1,500 tonnes, runs parallel to a national highway bridge, showcasing the engineering ingenuity required to facilitate this extraordinary transport.

Challenges and triumphs

The journey has not been without its challenges. Approximately 200 tyres have burst along the way, requiring swift replacements by the dedicated technical team. The Bahubali, with its slow but steady pace of 15 to 20 kilometers per day, requires comprehensive permits from the government to traverse national highways, highlighting the logistical complexities involved in moving such a massive load.

As the Bahubali continues its journey towards Panipat, it captivates onlookers and serves as a symbol of India's growing infrastructure capabilities and the remarkable feats of engineering that are transforming the nation's transportation landscape.