Bengaluru: As the city’s traffic woes continue to grow, the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) has taken a significant step forward in providing a long-term solution with the successful launch of a 65-meter-long composite steel girder over the Salem railway bridge along the outer ring road (ORR) metro line. This marks a crucial milestone in the city’s metro expansion, enhancing connectivity and easing congestion on one of Bengaluru’s busiest corridors.
BMRCL, in a highly complex operation, erected four composite steel girders between ISRO and Doddanekkundi metro stations to accommodate existing railway lines and future developments by Indian Railways and K-RIDE. The construction required meticulous planning and coordination, given the operational challenges posed by the restricted space and skewed alignment of the railway crossing.
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Precision Engineering Amid Challenges
The approval from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (Southern Circle, Bangalore) was secured before initiating the work, ensuring safety compliance. Given the constrained space and lack of a service road, deploying two cranes of 400-500 MT on either side was not feasible. Instead, engineers innovatively used a single 700 MT crane, dividing the 65-meter span into three sections—14.5 meters on either side and a central 36-meter portion across the railway track.
The intricate process required roadblocks and railway line closures during night hours, with Bengaluru Traffic Police permitting diversions from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM and the Railways ensuring a safe work environment by blocking train movement between 11:30 PM and 3:30 AM.
Speaking on the achievement, a BMRCL official stated, “Executing a girder launch of this scale with a single crane and under strict time constraints was a challenge, but with strategic planning and coordination among all stakeholders, we ensured seamless execution. This milestone is a testament to our commitment to delivering Bengaluru’s metro expansion efficiently.”
A Crucial Step in ORR Metro’s Progress
The ORR Metro Line, part of Phase 2A & 2B extending from Central Silk Board (CSB) to Kempegowda International Airport, primarily utilizes 28-meter U-girders. However, at major traffic junctions, railway crossings, and flyovers, longer composite girders are being adopted to facilitate smoother metro construction.
A senior BMRCL engineer emphasized the impact of this achievement, stating, “This launch is a critical step in ensuring timely completion of the ORR Metro corridor, which will provide relief to thousands of daily commuters. Once operational, the metro will significantly reduce road congestion and enhance last-mile connectivity across Bengaluru.”
With nearly 70 workers on-site, the erection of the first 36-meter girder was completed on January 27, followed by two girders on January 28, and the final one on January 29. The precision of the operation was critical, as the girders had to be aligned with zero tolerance at a height of 14-15 meters.
What’s Next?
The remaining 14.5-meter girder segments, deck slabs, and parapet installations are expected to be completed within two months, removing all temporary road restrictions at this location. BMRCL acknowledged the support of Bengaluru Traffic Police, Railways, and local commuters for their patience during the execution of this critical infrastructure upgrade.
As Bengaluru continues to expand, metro connectivity remains a key solution to the city’s traffic problems. With such engineering milestones, BMRCL is steadily paving the way for a more seamless and efficient public transport network, promising a future where commuting is faster, safer, and more sustainable.
