Dome Rising

The progress in the construction of the super-structure has reached another milestone. The actual dome which will be added to the foundational tiers is being engineered.

The framework arrived from Delhi partially assembled and the completion is underway on the TOVP site. Intricate machinery is involved in this process for cutting the steel and welding pieces together, such as a Steel Blashma Cutting Machine, Acron Welding Machine, bending machines and jig and fixture machines. The technology is advanced as these apparatuses are computerized reducing the margin for error. The materials for the dome have largely been imported to ensure the finest quality.

The first layer is the stainless steel frame. This shell will work as the shuttering body to support the next two segments, the first being the concrete covering and the final being the finishing product such as tiles. The dome fabrication is an immensely detailed and taxing undertaking. Each dome has 7200 parts and each part weighs two metric tonnes. However, these challenges are met with enthusiasm and determination by the TOVP devotees and the erection of the dome is expected to begin the first week of December.