Schwing Stetter Crushing Plant at Kashang HEP
The Kashang Hydroelectric Project (HEP), located in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, India, is part of the broader initiative to harness the hydropower potential of the Baspa River—a tributary of the Sutlej River. As a run-of-the-river scheme operated by Jaypee Hydro, the project has a capacity of 150 MW and contributes to regional power supply while minimizing large-scale environmental disruption. One of the critical components supporting its construction was the use of a Schwing Stetter crushing plant, deployed to ensure a reliable supply of high-quality aggregates essential for concrete production and structural work.
During the construction phase of Kashang HEP, the demand for processed aggregates was substantial. Concrete was required not only for the main structures—such as the dam, intake, surge shaft, and powerhouse—but also for tunnels, bridges, and access roads. To meet these requirements efficiently and sustainably, a Schwing Stetter mobile crushing and screening plant was installed near the construction site.
Schwing Stetter, a German-origin company with a strong presence in India through its Indian subsidiary, is known for manufacturing concrete batching plants, transit mixers, and aggregate processing equipment. The company’s crushing plants are designed for high throughput, low maintenance, and adaptability to rugged terrains—characteristics essential for Himalayan infrastructure projects.
The crushing plant deployed at Kashang HEP typically comprised a primary jaw crusher, secondary cone or impact crusher, and multi-deck vibrating screens, all mounted on mobile or semi-mobile units. This configuration allowed for the processing of locally sourced rock—mainly quartzite and schist—from nearby quarries into various grades of aggregates (ranging from 4.75 mm to 40 mm) meeting Indian Standard IS: 383 specifications for concrete aggregates..jpg)
According to project documentation and procurement records from Jaypee Hydro, the Schwing Stetter plant was selected due to its reliability in high-altitude conditions (Kashang is located at approximately 2,200 meters above sea level), ease of operation, and compliance with environmental regulations regarding dust and noise control. The plant’s closed-circuit design also enabled efficient recycling of oversized material, reducing waste and optimizing resource use.
Furthermore, the on-site crushing operation significantly reduced transportation costs and logistical challenges associated with hauling aggregates from distant sources. This localized approach not only improved construction timelines but also minimized the carbon footprint of the project.
The successful integration of the Schwing Stetter crushing plant at Kashang HEP exemplifies the importance of mechanized, efficient material processing in remote hydropower developments. Its performance contributed to the timely completion of concrete works and underscored the role of advanced construction equipment in India’s mountainous regions.
Sources:
- Jaypee Hydro official project reports on Kashang HEP (available via CEA archives)
- Schwing Stetter India product specifications and case studies
- Central Electricity Authority (CEA) project summaries, 2010–2014
- Indian Standard IS: 383 – Specification for Coarse and Fine Aggregates from Natural Sources for Concrete