Two Potain MCi 85 A tower cranes are at work on the $32- million Basholi Bridge, a three- year construction project in Jammu. The 5 t capacity cranes are working 12 hours a day, performing general lifting duties and pouring concrete. The two MCi 85 As are owned by SP Singla Constructions, the main contractor on the project. Singla Constructions selected the Potain cranes, confident they will perform efficiently and remain fault-free, said Devinder Rana, P&H head at Singla Constructions.

"This vast bridge is a key project for India that will give a much needed boost to the area's relatively low economy," he says. "We have total confidence in our Potain cranes, given their reach, capacity and proven capabilities. We are focused on completing the project on time and within budget, and the cranes are helping us make that a reality."

The first MCi 85 A was erected in May 2012 and was joined by the second in June 2012. The cranes climb alongside the pylons on either side of the Ravi river. They currently stand at a height of 72 m (236 ft) and 63 m (206 ft) respectively. Both will climb to 110 m (360 ft) before the end of the project, scheduled for completion by September 2014.

The two MCi 85 As are new cranes, built at Potain's facility in Pune, India. This versatile crane is the most popular Potain tower crane in India. It is designed for easy erection and offers an excellent lift capacity. With a 25 m (82 ft) jib, it can lift 3 t (3.3 USt) at the jib end and with a full 50 m (164 ft) jib, it can lift 1.3 t (1.43 USt) at jib end.

The Basholi Bridge will span 592 m (1,942 ft) across the Ravi River with pylon heights reaching 88 m (288 ft) to support a two-lane road that will connect Himachal Pradesh and Punjab with Jammu and Kashmir. The bridge is expected to boost the region's socio-economic status, while increasing tourism and commercial mining opportunities in the region.