On 2 June 2025, in a landmark moment for Indian infrastructure, Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), in collaboration with General Consultant AEON and contractor L&T, successfully erected the country’s first-ever 33.33-meter-long U-Girder at Ramapuram as part of Phase 2, Corridor 5 (ECV-02). This landmark engineering feat by CMRL is a first in the history of Indian metro rail projects.
Thiru. T. Archunan, Director Projects, CMRL, along with AGM-EC Thiru. C. Murali Manoharan, DGM-Civil Thiru. A.Ramakrishnan, Tmt. K. Bhavani – EVP & IC Head/Heavy Civil Infra, Thiru. K. Krishna Prabhakar – Project Incharge/L&T, senior officials from CMRL and L&T were present during the occasion.
Weighing 225 metric tonnes, this pioneering girder marks a significant engineering achievement and a testament to the technical prowess, innovation, and execution capabilities of the team involved.
The work was executed successfully on three spans, two girders on each span. Total of 6 U-Girders of 33.33 meters each —demonstrating remarkable agility and design excellence.
The girder was transported using specialised 6+6 axle multi-axle trailers powered by a Volvo FH 520 HP puller.
The casting process involved intricate reinforcement, pre-tensioning, and adherence to the highest standards of quality control. Transporting the massive girder from the casting yard to the erection site required detailed logistical planning and flawless coordination.
