The joint venture between Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) and KEC International, known as HCC – KEC JV, achieved a significant milestone with the successful launch of the final splice for the second 40-meter-long open web girder (OWG) bridge. This noteworthy development is part of the ongoing Chennai Metro Phase 2 project, specifically in the 7.945 km Package C4-ECV-02, which spans from Porur to Poonamallee Bypass.
The Chennai Metro Line-4, with a total length of 26.09 km, will connect Light House to Poonamallee Bypass, encompassing a total of 30 stations along its route. The OWG bridge, with a weight of 222 metric tons, was launched in two separate parts, weighing 110 MT and 112 MT, utilizing a single lifting method. This intricate operation took place on top of the Chennai Bypass (NH-32) flyovers, precisely between Piers P277 to P278 on Mount Poonamallee Road, as indicated on Google Maps.
The manufacturing credit for both twin OWGs goes to Steel Infra Solution, located in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh. The project’s significance lies not only in its technical complexities but also in its role as a pivotal component of the Chennai Metro Phase 2, a project aimed at enhancing urban connectivity.
Chennai Metro Rail Ltd. (CMRL) had entrusted the contract for Package C4-ECV-02, valued at Rs 1,147 crore, to the HCC – KEC JV in May 2021. The project comes with a deadline of 36 months, reflecting the comprehensive nature of the development. In addition to constructing the viaduct, the joint venture will be responsible for building nine stations at key locations, including Chennai Bypass crossing, Ramachandra Hospital, Iyyapanthangal Bus Depot, Katupakkam, Kumanan Chavadi, Karayan Chavadi, Mullai Thottam, Poonamallee Bus Terminus, and Poonamallee Bypass.
Furthermore, the HCC – KEC JV is tasked with launching 11 special steel spans, details of which were not specified in the provided information. This OWG bridge holds particular significance as it becomes the third such metro bridge in Chennai, following its twin and the 105-meter-long steel truss bridge at Guindy, which was launched by Larsen & Toubro in 2015.
The ongoing developments in Chennai’s metro infrastructure signify the city’s commitment to expanding its public transportation network, catering to the growing urban population and enhancing overall connectivity.
Image Source: themetrorailguy.com