The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) achieved another major milestone in its Phase 4 work by erecting the first-ever U-Girder on the Janakpuri West-R.K Ashram Marg corridor.
"The U-Girder, an important component of the elevated viaducts constructed for Metro corridors, was erected near the Kali Mata Temple between the upcoming Pushpanjali and Deepali Chowk Metro stations along the Outer Ring Road," said Anuj Dayal, DMRC's Executive Director, Corporate Communications.
This is a standard span with twin U-Girders of 28 metres length each in one span, with the total weight of one girder approximately 160 MT.
U-Girders are precast, pre-tensioned, U-shaped girders on which track laying can be done immediately. The casting work of these girders requires meticulous precision and planning. Absolute care has to be taken regarding the maintenance of all measurements and technical parameters during the casting process.
Metro projects across the world are extensively using U-Girders, which saves time in construction besides ensuring better quality.
The casting of the U-Girders for Phase 4 was started at the designated casting yard in Mundka in June earlier this year.
After casting, these girders are brought to the site and launched with the help of high capacity cranes or launchers. A total of 780 such U-Girders are planned to be erected.
The erection of the U-Girders is a major milestone for the DMRC, as despite several constraints due to the ongoing pandemic, this important component of the construction work could be started.
The 28.92 km long Janakpuri West - R.K Ashram Marg corridor is an extension of Magenta Line and will come up with 22 stations. Construction work on this particular section had started in December last year.
Despite issues such as unavailability of adequate labour force, DMRC is moving ahead with the construction work of all the three corridors approved so far as part of Delhi Metro's Phase 4.
Under this phase, 65.10 kilometres of new Metro lines will be constructed across three different corridors comprising 46 Metro stations. These new sections shall provide interconnectivity among the already operational sections of Delhi Metro.