NCRTC has successfully completed the installation of two unique steel spans for the RRTS Corridor located in Kondali, Delhi. These specialized steel spans are a component of a larger set of six structures, strategically positioned to traverse the Ghazipur drain, extending from New Ashok Nagar towards Anand Vihar.
The cumulative span of these six distinctive steel structures spans an impressive 360 meters. This location stands as the sole site along the RRTS corridor where an extended viaduct of this magnitude is being erected with steel spans. At present, two of these special steel spans have been effectively integrated, with ongoing efforts dedicated to the third. Notably, these two spans, weighing a total of 540 tonnes, have been meticulously positioned in the Kondli vicinity, adjacent to the New Ashok Nagar RRTS station.
The trajectory of the RRTS corridor parallels the Ghazipur drain, and these specialized steel spans are strategically situated at the point of intersection. Additionally, these spans will gracefully traverse the thoroughfare close to Kondli Chowk. Among the set of six steel spans, half will measure approximately 70 meters each, while the remainder will extend to 50 meters, with a corresponding weight of 380 tonnes.
The span, aligned parallel to the Ghazipur drain, boasts dimensions of approximately 70 meters in length and 14 meters in width. Its installation atop pillars, elevated roughly 6 meters from ground level, was efficiently executed with the aid of substantial cranes. Concurrently, four more spans are in the process of being crafted in the same vicinity. Notably, the construction of a 70-meter-long span is nearing 50 per cent completion. Progressing slightly ahead in the direction of Khichripur, an underground ramp is concurrently under construction, strategically designed to link the elevated section with the subterranean Anand Vihar Station through a network of underground tunnels.
Traditionally, NCRTC erects pillars at an average interval of 34 meters to facilitate the assembly of an elevated viaduct for the RRTS corridor. These pillars are subsequently connected through pre-cast segments utilizing specialized equipment such as the launching gantry (Tarini), ultimately forming the RRTS viaduct span. However, in areas marked by complexities, where the corridor necessitates navigation through rivers, bridges, rail crossings, metro passages, expressways, or pre-existing infrastructure, adhering to the standard pillar-to-pillar spacing becomes unfeasible. It is in these intricate scenarios that steel spans find their utility, connecting the pillars seamlessly.
Notably challenging was the installation of the steel span above the Ghazipur drain, spanning between 40 to 50 meters in width, while diagonally intersecting the corridor’s alignment. The dedicated team at NCRTC meticulously adhered to all established protocols and precautionary measures, ensuring the successful completion of this intricate endeavour.
Specialized steel spans are robust structures, characterized by beams crafted from structural steel. Initial manufacturing of these steel segments takes place in controlled environments, after which they are carefully transported to the site during nighttime hours to mitigate potential traffic disruptions.
On-site, a methodical assembly process takes place, with individual components systematically united through specialized techniques. The design, shape, and composition of these steel spans are all meticulously tailored to meet the rigorous demands of construction, installation, and long-term utilization.
To date, a total of six specialized steel spans have been integrated into the Delhi Meerut RRTS corridor. These installations encompass a 50-meter span positioned along the Delhi-Meerut Expressway (DME) in Meerut, a 73-meter span at Vasundhara along the primary railway line, a 150-meter span in proximity to Ghaziabad station, two 45-meter spans for the RRTS viaduct en route to Duhai Depot, and a 73-meter span for traversing the Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE).