Drone Stringing for Rail Level Crossings

Challenge 

Power utilities often face major execution bottlenecks when transmission lines intersect with railways. 

In this project, shutdown permissions from Indian Railways were unavailable, jeopardizing the entire construction schedule. The site’s proximity to an active rail line also posed public safety challenges and restricted conventional stringing operations. 

Solution 

Sterlite Electric’s MSI team deployed drone-assisted stringing technology to execute conductor installation safely and efficiently, without depending on shutdown windows. 

Drones were used to pull a 2.5 mm pilot platina wire across the section, followed by a 12 mm platina for the steel pilot rope. Comprehensive safety protocols and real-time monitoring ensured smooth operations near the live line. 

The work was sequenced to first complete the 400 kV section, followed by 220 kV, with pulling and final checks executed in parallel. The entire activity was completed in just four days, a significant improvement over conventional methods. 

Impact 

The adoption of drone stringing transformed both safety and efficiency outcomes: 

• 97% reduction in execution time compared to manual stringing 

• 76% reduction in manpower requirements 

• Zero public disruption and enhanced safety compliance while working alongside active rail lines 

By integrating drones-based stringing in live and restricted environments, Sterlite Electric demonstrated its ability to combine innovation with precision engineering, driving faster, safer, and more sustainable transmission construction. 

At a Glance 

Drone-enabled stringing represents a significant leap in grid construction efficiency. 

It showcases Sterlite Electric’s MSI capability to deliver safe, outage-free, and technology-driven solutions in the most constrained project environments—helping utilities accelerate grid expansion with confidence.