Chennai Metro Breaks Record With Installation Of India’s Longest Precast U-Girder

In a significant engineering achievement, Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has installed India's longest precast U-girder, measuring 33.33 meters, at Ramapuram as part of Phase 2 Corridor 5 (Madhavaram–Sholinganallur). 

This surpasses the previous national record of 31 meters held by Bengaluru Metro.

As per a report by The Times of India , the project, executed in collaboration with AEON and L&T, involved casting six 225-tonne girders using specially crafted moulds and complex pre-tensioning techniques to ensure structural integrity. 

The girders were transported from Kolapancheri using multi-axle trailers with police assistance, and installation was completed within five days.

The extended U-girder design, placed outside L&T headquarters, offers cost savings and aesthetic benefits compared to traditional steel girders. 

CMRL officials have reportedly indicated that similar long-span U-girders will be considered in future alignments to optimise cost and execution timelines.

In a related development, the Tamil Nadu government has granted in-principle approval for extending Chennai Metro Phase-II Corridor 4 from Light House–Poonamallee to Parandur in two stages. 

This extension aims to connect the proposed greenfield airport and the Kuthambakkam intercity bus terminal. 

The 52.94 km extension includes Phase-I (Poonamallee to Sunguvarchatram, 27.9 km), with a projected cost of Rs 8,779 crore. 

The detailed project report by Aarvee Associates has been approved by the state and recommended to the Centre for funding on an equity-sharing basis and through external loan assistance.