Phoenix Networks Raises the Roof With Central India’s First DDR 86
June 18, 2025
“The DDR 86 isn’t just a piece of equipment — it’s a shift in what’s possible for large-format event productions in this region. Deploying it for Arijit’s concert was about more than just infrastructure. It was about setting a new benchmark, one where technical sophistication, structural reliability, and artistic ambition align!” exclaimed Animesh Mishra, Founder Director of Bhopal-based Phoenix Networks, as the company become the first in Central India to acquire the highly sought-after DDR 86 roof truss system from Giant Truss.
Already known across the industry for their meticulous execution of high-profile productions, Phoenix wasted no time in putting the advanced system to work, rigging the DDR 86 for four back-to-back mega-productions — beginning with Honey Singh’s concert in Indore, followed by a rapid deployment for another Honey Singh show in Ahmedabad, then on to the vibrant Zomaland festival in Indore, and culminating with the highly demanding Arijit Singh concert, also in Indore.
What makes this even more remarkable is the accelerated timeline, sheer pace and pressure of execution — four mega-productions in just 36 days, across two states with vastly different terrains and climates. The DDR 86 system was delivered directly to site for the Honey Singh show — a full-scale concert and, effectively, a live learning for the Phoenix crew. From structural dynamics to modular rigging, load distribution, and wind compliance, the crew immersed themselves in not just on-site learning, but mastering the nuances of safely designing and deploying the imposing DDR 86 system. And by the time Arijit’s Indore concert rolled around; the team had already mastered the deployment, executing the full rig independently, flawlessly, and under significantly harsher weather conditions. From the dry heat of Gujarat to the storm-prone plains of Madhya Pradesh, team Phoenix demonstrated not only technical mastery but also extraordinary logistical agility. Each show came with its own set of challenges, but the DDR 86 proved to be a versatile powerhouse as Phoenix Network’s crew rose to meet every demand with characteristic precision and resilience.
That being said – Arijit Singh’s Indore concert, in particular, emerged as a masterclass in engineering finesse and operational tenacity. The Phoenix team, led by Animesh, faced down punishing weather conditions as strong winds swept through the venue in the lead-up to Arijit’s performance. With gusts breaching 70 km/h and sustained winds averaging 23 km/h, this was no ordinary outdoor rig. But far from being daunted, the Phoenix team leaned into their preparation and experience, proactively redesigning structural elements to counteract wind loads and adding extra ballast for improved anchoring. High atop the truss, wind meters constantly monitored real-time conditions while automated alerts ensured every deviation was met with rapid response. All of this, while never compromising on the rig’s aesthetic or its ability to support a full-scale, immersive stage design that matched Arijit Singh’s musical grandeur.
“This wasn’t a fluke or a fortunate outcome. It’s the culmination of years of Phoenix Networks investing in talent, systems, and a zero-compromise culture. As a unit, we have long demonstrated an aptitude for solving high-pressure production puzzles, most notably during Ed Sheeran’s groundbreaking Mathematics Tour in Mumbai, and the Kathmandu Music Festival in Nepal” notes Animesh. With over 55,000 fans packed into the Mahalaxmi Race Course and a rotating 360-degree stage rigged with over 160 Meyer Sound Panther and Leopard line arrays, Phoenix showed they could match — and even exceed — international standards on Indian soil. Their subsequent foray into Nepal for the Kathmandu Music Festival, complete with snow blizzards, border logistics and altitude-induced challenges, further reinforced their stature as a production powerhouse with global competence.
Back in Indore, that same Phoenix Networks DNA of discipline and daring was on full display. The DDR 86, engineered by Giant Truss for large-span applications with high-tensile yet lightweight aluminum construction, delivered the kind of structural integrity and rigging flexibility that’s typically reserved for global arena-scale productions. Phoenix’s deployment of the system proved not only that such rigs are now viable in the Central Indian belt, but that with the right minds behind them, they can be elevated to something greater.
“Our job is never just to build — it’s to anticipate, to adapt, and to elevate,” Animesh reflected “From the first ballast to the final note ringing out across the venue, our team owned every inch of the production. Safety, beauty, and strength — all executed to the millimeter. And this milestone isn’t just a feather in the cap for Phoenix Networks — it’s a call to the broader Indian live events industry to reimagine what’s possible, even in regions and climates that have traditionally been considered secondary.”