Chennai Metro Rail (CMRL) has achieved a notable engineering milestone by installing India’s longest precast U-girder, measuring 33.33 meters, at Ramapuram as part of Phase 2 Corridor 5 (Madhavaram–Sholinganallur). This installation surpasses the previous national record of 31 meters set by Bengaluru Metro.

The project, carried out in collaboration with AEON and L&T, involved casting six girders each weighing 225 tonnes. These girders were manufactured using specially designed moulds and advanced pre-tensioning techniques to maintain structural integrity. Transportation of the girders from Kolapancheri was facilitated by multi-axle trailers with police escort, and the entire installation process was completed within five days.

The longer U-girder design, which is positioned outside the L&T headquarters, provides cost efficiency and aesthetic advantages compared to conventional steel girders. CMRL plans to consider similar long-span U-girders in future metro alignments to optimise both costs and construction timelines.

Separately, the Tamil Nadu government has given in-principle approval for extending Chennai Metro Phase-II Corridor 4 from Light House–Poonamallee to Parandur in two stages. This extension is intended to connect the proposed greenfield airport and the Kuthambakkam intercity bus terminal.

The 52.94 km extension includes Phase-I stretching 27.9 km from Poonamallee to Sunguvarchatram, with an estimated cost of Rs 87.79 billion. The detailed project report prepared by Aarvee Associates has received state approval and has been recommended to the Central government for funding through a combination of equity-sharing and external loans.

News source: Swarajya