The Future is Fibre: Indus Towers and IIT Madras Lead the Way

Indus Towers, a leading global telecom tower company, has partnered with IIT Madras to conduct advanced research on the use of Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) structural sections in infrastructure applications.

GFRP is increasingly recognized for its high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and low maintenance requirements, making it a promising alternative to traditional materials like steel. The collaboration will evaluate the structural, economic, and environmental advantages of GFRP, particularly in the context of telecom infrastructure.

“GFRP presents a transformative opportunity—offering structural integrity, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with our sustainability goals,” said Anil Gupta, Chief Technology Officer at Indus Towers.

The research will explore GFRP’s potential in various applications, including telecom towers, scaffolding, staircases, and roofing systems, with a focus on durability, lifecycle performance, and sustainability.

The initiative is part of Indus Towers’ CSR program, Pragati, reflecting the company’s commitment to innovative, eco-friendly engineering solutions at scale.

Professor Ravindra Gettu of IIT Madras noted that the project will involve the development of comprehensive performance models for GFRP across different structural use cases, supporting its adoption in broader infrastructure development.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.