PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Sept 14: The Research & Development (R&D) Department of Tata Steel which bears the testimony of developing a low alloy structural steel that was used to build the famous Howrah Bridge in Kolkata, completed 84 years on Monday.
The Research & Development (R&D) Department was founded on September 14, 1937.
The R&D building was inaugurated by the then chairman of Tata Steel, Sir Nowroji Saklatvala.
It was for the first time in India that an organisation had its own R&D Division. The key objective to have a research division was to reduce costs and increase the output of the company.
One of its initial products the R&D Department designed was the low alloy structural steel ‘Tiscrom’ that was used to build the Howrah Bridge.
Tata Steel also developed a high-strength structural steel ‘Tiscor’ used in freight cars, ships, trams, and other vehicles.
Another accomplishment was the production of ‘Tatanagar’ armoured car with special quality sheets of alloy steel and silicon, and bullet-proof armour plates.
The armoured car is the first and only Indian-made armoured car that battled Axis powers in the western desert of Africa during World War II.
The R&D building was designed to provide efficiency, flexibility, and comfort.
The rooms were well laid out to provide a straight-line flow of work and were connected by wide corridors.
All amenities including gas, water, power, and vacuum were supplied through a duct running below the floor for easy maintenance, and to keep walls free from piping and cabling. Special attention was given to ensure safe and healthy working conditions with respect to ergonomics, lighting, and ventilation.
The tables and benches were designed as per the convenience of the technicians, and to avoid unnecessary movements.
The fume extraction systems were installed with specially designed hoods. The switchboards were fitted at the corridors to avoid corrosion due to fumes in the chemical labs.
Numerous emergency showers were also installed in case of acid splatters or similar incidents.
The company’s R&D Department is popular among steel manufacturing companies in India and abroad.
