URC Construction has initiated construction work on Chennai Metro Line-3’s Package UG-03, starting with the Thousand Lights Crossover. This segment, connecting KMC to Royapettah, marks a significant milestone for the project.
Under a subcontract from Rail Vikas Nigam (RVNL), URCC has commenced grabbing and trenching activities to construct the diaphragm wall (D-wall) for one of the line’s underground crossover facilities. This facility will facilitate the transition of 3-coach trains, currently being procured through ARE02A and ARE04A, between the up-line and down-line tracks.
Located just south of the operational Blue Line’s Thousand Lights Station, this underground crossover is part of the 116.1 km Phase 2 project undertaken by Chennai Metro Rail Ltd. (CMRL).
CMRL awarded the Rs. 1328.89 crore contract for Package UG03-RT01 to RVNL in July 2023, with a deadline of 1725 days (4.7 years). Subsequently, RVNL subcontracted the construction work to URC Construction.
The scope of this package includes the construction of five underground stations at KMC, Sterling Road Junction, Nangambakkam, Gemini, and Thousand Lights, as well as the Thousand Lights Crossover. Additionally, partial works at Royapettah Govt. Hospital & Chetpet Metro stations are also included.
Of note, the new station-box at KMC (Kilpauk) will serve as an interchange with the 22 km Green Line (Line-2), while the new station box at Thousand Lights will facilitate an interchange with the 23.10 km Blue Line (Line-1).
RVNL had secured contracts for three station packages (UG-3-RT01, UG-4-RT01, UG-5RT01) encompassing a total of 16 stations between KMC and Taramani Road Junction. Larsen & Toubro commenced tunneling work to connect these stations in February 2023.