Mon Jun 02 18:08:17 UTC 2025: ## Chennai Metro Launches Record-Breaking U-Girders, Minimizing Disruption and Costs

**CHENNAI, India – June 2, 2025 -** Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has achieved a significant milestone in the ongoing Phase II project by launching 33.33-meter U-girders in Manapakkam. This innovative approach aims to minimize traffic disruption, reduce costs, and enhance the overall aesthetic of the Mount-Poonamallee Road corridor.

The groundbreaking U-girders, the longest ever used in an Indian metro rail project, are being implemented for a double-decker corridor featuring a 3.15-km flyover from Mugalivakkam to MIOT Hospital on the first level and an elevated Metro Rail corridor above. The structure forms part of Corridor 5, which promises a unique “roller-coaster” design with alternating elevated and underground sections.

Typically, steel girders are employed at heavily congested junctions. However, in this instance, CMRL opted for six concrete U-girders, each weighing 225 metric tonnes, at the Manapakkam junction. These precast and pre-tensioned U-girders, manufactured in a special yard on the city’s outskirts, will support the elevated viaduct for approximately 200 meters.

“Steel girders are pretty expensive,” explained T. Archunan, director (projects) at CMRL. “The contractor Larsen and Toubro suggested that a concrete U-girder will provide an enhanced look for that junction at a lower cost than steel. Hence, we designed it, and L&T manufactured and transported it.” Archunan also noted that using the longer U-girders has enabled them to reduce the number of pillars required, further streamlining the construction process.

The project involved meticulous planning, including detailed traffic flow studies. Specialized multi-axle trailers were used to transport the U-girders to the site. The work was completed in the early hours of Monday after starting last week.

Phase II of the Chennai Metro project encompasses three corridors totaling 118.9 km, further expanding the city’s public transportation network. This initiative demonstrates CMRL’s commitment to innovation and efficiency in infrastructure development.

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