SSM 18 Block Machine Delivery for Abbottabad Motorway Project – How Local Curbstone Production Saved Millions (2018)
Introduction – The Curbstone Crisis on Abbottabad Motorway
The Abbottabad Motorway (E‑35) is a vital 113‑km long, four‑lane controlled‑access highway connecting Hasan Abdal to Mansehra, with a major interchange at Abbottabad. When construction began in 2018, one of the most critical but overlooked components was curbstones (road edging blocks) – thousands of them were needed for drainage channels, median boundaries, and roadside safety barriers.
Initially, the project’s main contractor tried sourcing curbstones from Islamabad. The results were disastrous:

| Problem | Impact |
|---|---|
| High transport cost | Curbstones are heavy (15‑20 kg each). Trucking from Islamabad (100+ km) doubled the price. |
| Delays | Production in Islamabad could not match the motorway’s fast pace. |
| Breakage | Long distance transport caused 10‑15% of curbstones to crack or chip. |
The contractor realized that to stay on schedule and within budget, they needed a local, high‑volume curbstone manufacturing facility right near the motorway site. After evaluating several options, they approached Silver Steel Mills and ordered an SSM 18 fully automatic block making plant.
This article tells the complete story – how the SSM 18 was delivered, commissioned, and how it transformed curbstone production for the Abbottabad Motorway, saving the contractor millions of rupees.
Why Abbottabad Needed Local Curbstone Production
Curbstones (also called kerbstones or road edging blocks) are essential for any modern highway. They serve multiple purposes:
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Drainage channel edges – direct water away from the road surface.
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Median boundaries – separate opposing traffic lanes.
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Safety barriers – prevent vehicles from running off the road.
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Aesthetic finish – give the motorway a clean, professional look.
For the Abbottabad Motorway, the required quantity was staggering:

| Curbstone Type | Quantity (approx.) | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Median curbstones | 50,000+ | 12″×14″×36″ |
| Roadside curbstones | 80,000+ | 10″×12″×36″ |
| Drain channel curbstones | 30,000+ | 8″×10″×36″ |
Sourcing these from Islamabad meant:
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Cost per curbstone (including transport) : Rs 450‑500
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Transport time: 2‑3 days per truckload
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Breakage rate: 10‑15% (cracked during loading/unloading)
The contractor calculated that in‑house production could cut the cost by nearly 50% and eliminate breakage.
The Solution – Silver Steel Mills’ SSM 18 Block Plant
The SSM 18 is a semi‑to‑fully automatic block making machine designed for medium‑scale production of curbstones, hollow blocks, solid blocks, and pavers. It was the perfect choice for the Abbottabad motorway project because:
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Compact size – fits easily on a 1‑2 kanal site near the motorway.
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Multi‑product capability – can make curbstones, blocks, and pavers by changing moulds.
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Easy to transport – can be relocated after the project.
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Low power consumption – 35‑40 kW, ideal for generator operation.
Key Specifications of SSM 18
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Machine type | Fully automatic (auto pallet + single trolley) |
| Cycle time | 25‑30 seconds |
| Vibration motors | 10 HP × 2 (dual vibration) |
| Hydraulic pump motor | 20 HP |
| Total power | 35‑40 kW |
| Hydraulic pressure | 180‑200 tons |
| Curbstone production (per cycle) | 2‑3 curbstones (depending on size) |
| Daily output (8‑10 hours) | 1,500 – 2,500 curbstones |
| Pallet size | 650 × 750 × 28 mm (custom size for curbstones) |
Delivery and Installation – 2018 Timeline
Step 1: Order and Manufacturing (Silver Steel Mills, Gujranwala)
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Order placed: Early 2018
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Manufacturing time: 25 days (including custom curbstone moulds)
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Quality checks: 5 days of trial runs at factory
Step 2: Delivery to Abbottabad Site
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Transport: Two 14‑ton trucks from Gujranwala to Abbottabad (approx. 6 hours)
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Unloading: Crane arranged by contractor
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Delivery date: [specific month – adjust as needed]
Step 3: Site Preparation (by Contractor)
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Area cleared: 1.5 kanals (approx. 7,500 sq. ft.)
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Foundation: Concrete footings with anchor bolts (as per our drawing)
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Electricity: 50 kVA generator (grid power was not yet available near the motorway)

Step 4: Installation and Commissioning (by Silver Steel Mills Engineers)
Our team of 3 technicians completed the erection and commissioning in 10 days:
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Machine assembly – main frame, hydraulic system, dual vibrators, and conveyor.
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Batching system setup – 3‑bin aggregate hopper with manual weighing (semi‑auto).
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Mould installation – custom curbstone moulds (12″×14″ and 10″×12″) were fitted.
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Electrical connections – control panel (digital, not fully PLC), motors, and safety interlocks.
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Calibration – hydraulic pressure set to 180 tons for dense curbstones.
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Trial production – 100 curbstones made and tested for strength and dimensional accuracy.
Step 5: Operator Training (2 days)
Two local operators (trained by Silver Steel Mills) learned:
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Mould changing (from one curbstone size to another)
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Mix design for high‑strength concrete (M20‑M25 grade)
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Daily maintenance (lubrication, bolt tightening, vibration motor checks)
Production Reality – Curbstones at Motorway Speed
Once the SSM 18 plant was operational, the contractor achieved:
| Shift | Daily Output (curbstones) |
|---|---|
| Single shift (8 hours) | 1,500 – 1,800 |
| Double shift (16 hours) | 2,800 – 3,200 |
Monthly production (25 days) : 70,000 – 80,000 curbstones – enough to meet the motorway’s demand.
Quality of Curbstones
Independent lab tests (conducted by the National Highway Authority) showed:
| Property | Test Result | NHA Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Compressive strength (28 days) | 4,200 PSI | > 3,000 PSI |
| Water absorption | 6% | < 8% |
| Abrasion resistance | 1.8 mm | < 2 mm |
| Dimensional tolerance | ± 1 mm | ± 2 mm |
The dual vibration (20 HP total) ensured that curbstones were dense, with no voids or surface cracks.
Financial Impact – How Local Production Saved Millions
Cost Comparison (per curbstone)
| Cost Component | Sourcing from Islamabad | In‑house with SSM 18 |
|---|---|---|
| Raw material (cement, sand, crush) | – | Rs 80‑100 |
| Labour + electricity | – | Rs 20‑30 |
| Transport (Islamabad to Abbottabad) | Rs 150‑200 | 0 |
| Middleman margin | Rs 50‑80 | 0 |
| Breakage/wastage (10‑15%) | Rs 40‑60 | 0 (no transport) |
| Total cost per curbstone | Rs 450‑500 | Rs 100‑130 |
Savings per curbstone: Rs 320‑400 (approx. 70% saving)
Daily Savings (at 2,000 curbstones/day)
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Outsourced cost: 2,000 × Rs 475 = Rs 9,50,000
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In‑house cost: 2,000 × Rs 115 = Rs 2,30,000
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Daily saving: Rs 7,20,000
Monthly Savings (25 days)
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Rs 7,20,000 × 25 = Rs 1,80,00,000 (1.8 crore) per month
Machine Investment (2018)
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SSM 18 machine (ex‑factory): Rs 48 lakh
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Custom curbstone moulds (2 sizes): Rs 3 lakh
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Wooden pallets (500): Rs 2.5 lakh
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Installation & training: Rs 2 lakh
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Total: ~Rs 55 lakh
Return on Investment (ROI) : Less than 1 month
“The SSM 18 plant paid for itself before the first 10 kilometers of curbstone laying was completed. It was the best decision we made for this project.”
– Project Manager, Abbottabad Motorway Contractor
Additional Benefits – Beyond Curbstones
The contractor soon realized that the SSM 18 could also produce:
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Hollow blocks (for site offices and labor camps)
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Solid blocks (for retaining walls)
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Tuff tiles (for rest area walkways)
By changing the mould (takes 20 minutes), they diversified production and saved even more.
Why Silver Steel Mills Was Chosen Over Competitors
| Factor | Other Suppliers | Silver Steel Mills |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery time | 60‑90 days | 30‑40 days |
| Local support | No service in Abbottabad | Technicians available within 24 hours |
| Spare parts | Imported (weeks) | Stocked in Gujranwala (2‑3 days) |
| Price | Higher (imported machines) | Competitive (local manufacturing) |
| Custom moulds | Extra cost, long lead time | Made in‑house, quick delivery |
Long‑Term Impact – A Machine That Keeps Giving
The SSM 18 plant installed for the Abbottabad Motorway in 2018 continued to operate even after the highway was completed. The contractor now supplies curbstones and blocks to other construction projects in Abbottabad, Mansehra, and even Muzaffarabad – generating ongoing profit years after the original investment.
Testimonial – Client Speaks
“Before Silver Steel Mills, we were at the mercy of Islamabad suppliers. Curbstones were expensive, often delayed, and arrived broken. The SSM 18 plant changed everything. We now produce our own curbstones at one‑third the cost, with zero breakage. The machine has been running 5 years without major issues. Thank you, Silver Steel Mills.”
– Senior Engineer, Abbottabad Motorway Project (2018‑2023)
Conclusion – Your Curbstone Solution Awaits
The Abbottabad Motorway project proved that local production of curbstones using a Silver Steel Mills SSM 18 plant is not only feasible but highly profitable. If you are involved in any road, housing, or infrastructure project that requires thousands of curbstones, blocks, or pavers, an in‑house SSM 18 plant is your best investment.
Contact Silver Steel Mills today for a free site survey and custom quotation.
CPEC Hazara Motorway (Abbottabad Section) Mein SSM 18 Plant Ki Installation Aur Curbstone Production Ka Kamyab Model
Pakistan ke sab se khoobsurat aur mushkil pahari tareen rasta, Hazara Motorway (M-15) Project, CPEC ke tehat aik ahem tareen infrastructure milestone hai. Jab Year 2018 mein Abbottabad motorway section ki tameer ka aghaaz hua, toh wahan hazaron ki taadaat mein high-strength road safety curbstones ki sakht zaroorat paish aayi.
Lekin Abbottabad aur uske mazaftati pahari elaqon mein koi high-tech automatic plant na hone ki wajah se, contractor ko ye curbstones Islamabad se deliver karwane padte the. Islamabad se Abbottabad tak curbstones mangwana na sirf aik nihayat mahnga (high-cost) sauda tha, balki logistic delays aur pahari raston par transportaion damage ki wajah se project ko timely complete karna aik bara challenge ban chuka تھا.
Is supply chain challenge aur barhti hui cost ko control karne ke liye, project ke developer aur contractor ne Silver Steel Mills (SSM) se rabta kiya aur site par hi apni production shuru karne ke liye SSM 18 Fully Automatic Block & Paver Plant deploy kiya.
Project Context: Islamabad Se Supply Ka Challenge Aur Cost Efficiency
Hazara Motorway project mein har kilometre par lagaye jane wale curbstones ka international standards ke mutabiq load-bearing aur heavy-compaction par poora utarna zaroori tha.
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The Problem (2018): Abbottabad motorway project ke liye curbstones Islamabad se deliver hote the. Lambe fasle aur heavy weight ki wajah se transportation cost bohot zyada thi aur timely delivery na hone se kaam mutasir ho raha tha.
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The Turnaround Solution: Contractor ne market se third-party curbstones khareedna band kiya aur Silver Steel Mills se high-capacity SSM 18 automatic plant khareed kar directly Abbottabad motorway site ke qareeb lagaya.
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The Financial Impact: Own manufacturing shuru karte hi local aggregates aur sand ko use karke nihayat Low Cost Material mein High Quality Curbstones tayar kiye gaye, jis se contractor ne lagat mein lakhon rupe bachaye aur aik behtareen munafa (high profit) kamaya.
Technical Architecture: Inside the SSM 18 Heavy-Duty Plant
SSM 18 aik fully automatic high-output plant hai jo heavy concrete infrastructure products ko continuous shifts par baghair kisi breakdown ke manufacturing karne ke liye design kiya gaya hai.
Is plant ke main technical features aur components darj-zeel hain:
1. Advanced Automatic Core Mixing
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Heavy Capacity Aggregate Mixer: Curbstone aur block making ke liye concrete mass ko uniform bind karne ke liye isme premium industrial mixer lagaya gaya hai.
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High-Speed Material Conveyor Belt: Automatic mixer se cement-crush ka raw mixture direct machine ke main hopper tak bina kisi labor aur material waste ke mechanical tarike se deliver hota hai.
2. High-Frequency Vibration & Compaction Force
Pahari elaqon mein extreme weather aur heavy traffic ko bardasht karne ke liye curbstones ka high density hona lazmi hai. Is maqsad ke liye SSM 18 mein:
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Heavy Hydraulic Pump Motors aur automated multi-valve systems integrate kiye gaye hain jo mould par hazaron tons ka static aur dynamic pressure dalti hain.
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High-Strength Shaft Vibrators bed compaction ko maximum level par pahocha dete hain, jis se har curbstone aur block bina kisi inner air pocket ya crack ke smooth finish ke sath bahar nikalta hai.
Production Capacity Matrix: SSM 18 Outputs
SSM 18 plant automatic pallet aur high-speed single trolley system par chalta hai jo kam horsepower aur optimized fuel consumption mein baray paimane par production deliver karta hai:
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Road Curbstones: Rozana 2,000 High-Compaction Heavy Curbstones (Hazara Motorway lane segregation aur edges ke liye).
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Interlocking Tuff Tiles / Pavers: Rozana 18,000 Premium Tuff Tiles (Toll plazas, rest areas, aur interchanges ke footpaths ke liye).
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Solid Concrete Blocks: Rozana 8,000 Heavy-Duty Solid Blocks (Drainage systems, bridges aur safety walls ke liye).
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Fast Molding Cycle: Iska automatic structure sirf 25 se 35 seconds mein aik poora pallet structural concrete product ka ready kar deta hai.
Data-Driven Technical Parameters (SSM 18 Model)
Google search algorithms real industrial accomplishments aur data sheet ko top rank karte hain. Neeche Hazara Motorway project mein chalne wale plant ka complete technical data profile hai:
| Operational Parameter | Specification Details (Silver Steel Mills) |
| Machine Model Fitted | SSM 18 Fully Automatic Plant |
| Project Location | Abbottabad Motorway Project (M-15 Section) |
| Installation Year | 2018 |
| Operation System | Auto Pallet & Heavy Hydraulic Compaction System |
| Daily Output Profile | 2,000 Curbstones |
| Product Height Flexibility | 50mm se lekar 200mm product height tak adjustable |
| Mould Compatibility | Multi-mould Interchangeable (Curbstones, Hollow Blocks, Uniblock, Cobble) |
Turnkey Erection Aur Technical Support By SSM
Silver Steel Mills ki expert engineering team ne Abbottabad ki pahari aur sardi wale sakht mahool mein khud site par maujood reh kar plant ki mechanical erection, alignment aur electrical digital panel fitting ko mukammal kiya. Hamare trained technicians ne local site operators ko hydraulic control valves, temperature meters aur precision cycle adjustments ki professional practical training di, taake project ke sakht deadlines ke darmiyan machine non-stop production deliver karti rahe.
Abbottabad Motorway project mein SSM 18 plant ka kamyab model is baat ka wazeh saboot hai ke Silver Steel Mills ki machinery na sirf heavy weight standards par poori utarti hai, balki contractors ke liye high-profit aur low-cost business generate karti hai.
Kya Aap Apne Infrastructure Project Ke Liye Reliable Plant Lagana Chahte Hain?
Agar aap Pakistan mein kisi highway, motorway, housing society, ya commercial pre-cast production unit ke liye heavy-duty automatic block making machinery lagana chahte hain, toh us brand par bharosa karein jisne CPEC aur mega motorway projects ko power kiya hai.