India's Longest 31-Metre U-Girder Launched On Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project's Mallige Line At Yeshwantpur

K-RIDE, a joint venture of Railways Ministry and Karnataka government, has achieved a milestone by launching the first 31-metre-long, single-span precast U-girder — the longest in India — for the Mallige Line of the Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project (BSRP).

The event marks a significant advancement in rail infrastructure development.

The U-girder was cast in January 2024 at Gollahalli and launched on Tuesday night between 9.45 pm and 10.00 pm at Yeshwantpur.

This installation is part of ongoing construction on the Baiyappanahalli-Chikkabanavara line, according to a K-RIDE official.

Advantages of U-Girders

Design and Efficiency: U-girders are U-shaped, pre-tensioned, and precast, offering superior quality and faster construction times. Their extended length reduces the need for additional foundations and piers.

Comparison to Box Girders: Unlike the segmental box girders, which are assembled in multiple parts over six to seven days, a single U-girder spans between two piers and can be launched overnight. Additionally, U-girders are lighter than box girder segments, further simplifying the construction process.

K-RIDE, the agency implementing the 149-km Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project, plans to use 450 U-girders for the eight-kilometre elevated section of the Mallige Line between Hebbal and Yeshwantpur.

As of now, 60 U-girders have already been cast at Gollahalli.

While metro projects typically use 28-metre-long U-girders, the BSRP's use of 31-metre-long girders underscores its unique engineering challenges and innovations.

The Mallige Line is slated for completion by December 2026.

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