Unipole hoardings are among the most premium outdoor advertising structures used across highways, expressways, and major urban corridors in India. Their tall height, strong visibility, and single-column design make them highly effective for brand communication. However, from a media owner’s or advertiser’s perspective, understanding the cost factors involved in unipole hoarding fabrication in India is critical before planning budgets or finalizing vendors.
Unlike conventional hoardings, unipole fabrication involves advanced engineering, heavy materials, and complex installation. Therefore, costs vary significantly based on multiple technical and operational elements. This article breaks down each cost factor step by step.
Why Unipole Hoarding Fabrication Costs Are Higher
Unipole hoardings carry the entire structural load on a single pole. As a result, they require stronger materials, deeper foundations, and precise fabrication. Moreover, highway safety norms and wind load requirements further increase engineering and execution costs.
Hence, unipole fabrication costs are not fixed. Instead, they depend on site conditions, structure size, and compliance standards.
1. Structural Design and Engineering Cost
Engineering Is the First Cost Layer
Every unipole hoarding starts with structural engineering. Engineers perform wind load analysis, height calculations, and foundation design based on location-specific data.
Engineering costs include:
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Wind load and structural calculations
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Foundation drawings and load reports
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Design revisions based on authority norms
Although this cost forms a small percentage of the total, it is essential. Without proper engineering, fabrication risks increase significantly.
2. Material Cost: The Biggest Cost Component
Steel Quantity and Grade
Material cost is the largest contributor to unipole hoarding fabrication expenses in India. High-grade structural steel is used for the pole, base plate, and display frame.
Material cost depends on:
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Height and diameter of the unipole
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Thickness of steel sections
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Current steel market rates
As height increases, steel consumption rises sharply. Therefore, taller unipoles are significantly more expensive.
3. Surface Treatment and Corrosion Protection
Galvanization and Paint Systems
Unipoles are exposed to rain, heat, and pollution. Hence, corrosion protection is mandatory.
Cost components include:
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Sand blasting or shot blasting
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Hot-dip galvanization (where required)
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Epoxy primer and weather-resistant paint
Although these treatments add to upfront cost, they reduce long-term maintenance expenses. Consequently, most highway unipoles use premium coating systems.
4. Fabrication and Welding Charges
Workshop Execution Cost
Fabrication involves cutting, rolling, welding, and finishing steel components. Skilled labor and quality-controlled welding processes increase fabrication cost.
Fabrication charges depend on:
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Complexity of pole rolling
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Number of welding joints
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Precision requirements
Full-penetration welding and quality inspections further add to costs but ensure long-term stability.
5. Foundation Construction Cost
Foundation Size Drives Cost
The foundation is one of the most expensive components of unipole hoarding fabrication. Since unipoles resist high overturning forces, foundations are deep and heavily reinforced.
Foundation cost depends on:
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Soil bearing capacity
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Depth of excavation
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Quantity of RCC and reinforcement steel
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Curing time and site accessibility
Highway and expressway foundations are generally costlier due to strict safety requirements.
6. Transportation and Logistics Cost
Moving Heavy Components
Unipole structures are fabricated in large sections. Transporting these components requires trailers and special handling.
Transportation cost varies based on:
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Distance from fabrication workshop to site
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Size and weight of pole sections
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Road permits and escort requirements
For remote highway locations, logistics costs can increase substantially.
7. Installation and Crane Charges
Erection Cost on Highways
Erecting a unipole hoarding requires high-capacity cranes and trained installation teams. Highway installations also involve traffic control and safety measures.
Installation costs include:
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Crane hiring charges
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Skilled erection manpower
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Alignment and safety checks
Night-time or restricted-hour installations may further increase costs.
8. Permissions, Compliance, and Safety Costs
Regulatory and Documentation Expenses
Local authorities often require structural stability certificates, safety approvals, and compliance documentation.
These costs include:
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Structural certification fees
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Safety audit expenses
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Coordination with authorities
Although indirect, these costs are unavoidable for legal and operational security.
9. Maintenance and Lifecycle Cost Consideration
Hidden but Important Cost Factor
While not part of initial fabrication, maintenance planning impacts overall cost evaluation. Better materials and coatings reduce repainting, repair, and downtime expenses.
Therefore, lower upfront cost options may become expensive over time.
Typical Cost Range for Unipole Hoarding Fabrication in India
While prices vary widely, unipole hoarding fabrication cost in India typically depends on:
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Height (40 ft, 60 ft, 80 ft, or higher)
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Highway vs urban location
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Steel rates and foundation design
As a result, cost estimation must always be site-specific rather than generic.
Conclusion
Understanding the cost factors involved in unipole hoarding fabrication in India helps media owners and advertisers make informed investment decisions. From engineering design and steel materials to foundation work, installation, and compliance, each stage adds to the final cost.
Instead of focusing only on the lowest quotation, stakeholders should evaluate structural safety, durability, and lifecycle value. In unipole advertising, a well-engineered structure may cost more initially—but it delivers safer operations, longer life, and stronger returns over time.
