The 'Mahabali' truck, a colossal vehicle with 250 wheels, carrying a giant boiler for India's first PLA (Polylactic Acid) based bioplastic plant, has reached Balrampur district. Crowds gathered along the roadside to witness the spectacle, a common sight as the truck traversed through various districts of Uttar Pradesh.

This massive industrial equipment, weighing 164.28 metric tons and approximately 41 meters long, was imported from Belgium. It is destined for the country's first polylactic acid (PLA) based bioplastic manufacturing plant being set up at Balrampur Chini Mills complex in Kumbhi, Lakhimpur Kheri.

Due to its immense weight, the truck can only cover 10 to 15 kilometers daily. Obstacles like power lines and foot overbridges are temporarily cleared to facilitate its movement. The trailer, which originally had 308 wheels and began its journey five months ago from Paradip port in Odisha, entered Uttar Pradesh through Chandauli district via Bihar. The number of wheels has since reduced to 250.

The plant, being established by Balrampur Chini Mills Limited at an estimated cost of Rs 3,080 crore in Kumbhi, Lakhimpur Kheri, will produce PLA-based bioplastics from sugar and its associated waste products. This project is expected to significantly boost domestic bioplastic production and reduce reliance on imports. The truck is anticipated to resume its journey from Balrampur on Saturday morning.