Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project Casts First-Ever 31-Meter U-Girder

The Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project, also recognized as the Suburban Project, has gained momentum with the successful casting of a 31-meter long single-span U-girder-a first in India. This milestone, achieved on Saturday night at the Casting Yard in Devanahalli, marks a significant stride in the construction of the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project (BSRP), as stated in a BSRP release.

Previously, U-girders of 28-meter lengths were utilized in different metro projects. These girders are cast at yards and then transported to specific locations for launching over piers using high-capacity cranes/launchers, according to BSRP.

The 'Mallige' line or Corridor-2, spanning approximately 8 kilometers of viaduct or elevated sections from Hebbal to Yeshvantpura, is set to utilize these U-girders.

Infrastructure Development Minister M B Patil highlighted this remarkable accomplishment in a tweet, celebrating the installation of the longest U-girder-an emblem of the project's innovation and advancement.

U-girders, U-shaped pre-tensioned precast girders, facilitate immediate track laying. Widely employed in metro projects globally, they ensure superior quality and expedite construction timelines.

About 450 U-girders in the 'U' shape configuration are slated for use along the Mallegi route, encompassing an extensive 8-kilometer stretch between Yesvantpur and Hebbal. Plans are underway for their swift installation along this pivotal corridor.

Crafting each U-girder requires 69.5 cubic meters of high-quality M60 concrete, resulting in robust beams weighing a substantial 178 tons. This innovative approach expedites installation and enables direct rail placement, streamlining the project's timeline.

The groundbreaking design of the 31-meter U-girder was conceptualized by Aus System Company, with significant contributions from Chennai's IIT and other consulting firms, ensuring stringent quality standards and engineering excellence.

Minister Patil commended this engineering feat, acknowledging the technical prowess evident in crafting the U-girder. State-owned K-Ride maintains vigilant stewardship, ensuring stringent quality control throughout the project's execution.