"Completion of Installation of All Six Steel Spans for Delhi Section of RRTS"

The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has achieved a significant milestone by successfully installing all six special steel spans for the Delhi section of the regional rapid transit system (RRTS). Notably, this stretch represents the only location along the entire RRTS corridor where such an extensive viaduct is constructed using these special steel spans.

These specialized steel spans are strategically positioned to span the Ghazipur drain and Kondli roundabout, facilitating a direct route from New Ashok Nagar to Anand Vihar. Each of these spans is a massive structure, featuring beams made from structural steel. NCRTC's approach involves manufacturing these segments of structural steel in the factory and then transporting them to the site at night to avoid any potential traffic disruptions. On-site assembly is carried out meticulously, with each segment systematically joined together using a special process. The shape and structure of these steel spans are meticulously designed to meet the unique requirements of construction, installation, and operational usage.

In total, the combined length of these six special steel spans reaches approximately 360 meters. The RRTS corridor, originating from Sarai Kale Khan and running parallel to the Ghazipur drain, has now successfully crossed over the drain following the installation of these spans. Of the six spans, three measure approximately 70 meters in length each, while the remaining three are 50 meters in length. These impressive steel spans have a width of about 14 meters and weigh 540 tonnes each.

The installation of the steel span near the Ghazipur drain, which spans a width of 40 to 50 meters, posed a unique challenge due to the drain's diagonal alignment with the RRTS corridor. As a result, deep foundations for the pillars had to be constructed within the drain. Additionally, existing road structures and large pipelines presented obstacles that required the use of high-capacity cranes to establish the foundations. The site also operated in close proximity to high-tension power lines, further complicating the construction process.

Despite these complex conditions, the NCRTC team successfully completed the project while adhering to all safety protocols and taking the necessary precautions, as stated by a senior NCRTC official.

Earlier, NCRTC had installed six special steel spans for the Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor, including spans on the Delhi-Meerut expressway and other strategic locations along the railway's mainline and viaducts for the RRTS system.

ET