Thats exactly how it is planned... Growth to all areas...Can u tell an area which is not connected thru metro/mrts/emu which is within the city limits? Why should we copy others, when we know which transport route suits the best???? When u copy another one, u always end up second :-)

Chennai mass transport also has a point of focus. If you notice, the Central - Park complex has 7 lines radiating out of it (once the phase 1 of metro is complete)

1. South - western suburb towards Chengalpet,
2. Western suburb towards Thiruvallur,
3. Northern suburb towards Sulurpet,
4. MRTS towards Velacherry/St.Thomas mount,
5. Corridor 1 running north till Wimco Nagar,
6. Corridor 1 running south along Anna Salai,
7. Corridor 2 running south west along PH road.

Here I am not considering Park - Beach as it is too small and insignificant. If that too is considered, then it is 8 lines radiating out of central - park complex.
Island grounds, govt estate, areas around the fort has a huge potential to become the CBD (a proper CBD), in which around 300 million - 400 million sq.feet of prime office space can be developed (with some signature skyscrapers). Although easy to say, a project of such magnitude needs some visionary and precision planning on the part of policy makers, including a honest stake holder analysis. It is not possible right now but can be considered sometime in the future.

Chennai mass transport also has a point of focus. If you notice, the Central - Park complex has 7 lines radiating out of it (once the phase 1 of metro is complete)

1. South - western suburb towards Chengalpet,
2. Western suburb towards Thiruvallur,
3. Northern suburb towards Sulurpet,
4. MRTS towards Velacherry/St.Thomas mount,
5. Corridor 1 running north till Wimco Nagar,
6. Corridor 1 running south along Anna Salai,
7. Corridor 2 running south west along PH road.

Here I am not considering Park - Beach as it is too small and insignificant. If that too is considered, then it is 8 lines radiating out of central - park complex.
Island grounds, govt estate, areas around the fort has a huge potential to become the CBD (a proper CBD), in which around 300 million - 400 million sq.feet of prime office space can be developed (with some signature skyscrapers). Although easy to say, a project of such magnitude needs some visionary and precision planning on the part of policy makers, including a honest stake holder analysis. It is not possible right now but can be considered sometime in the future.

To some extent i agree , they all are in one physical location , but they are quite far and doubtful to be considered as switch points.

For e.g a guy with a pepsi cup in one hand and two rolling suitcases comes via one train , can he switch between any of these all by himself :) ?

Forget about that guy , can a disabled person in wheel chair or automatic chair come in one train and switch to another train in different direction ?

They are planning a large underground subway system connecting Central, Park suburb station and Park MRTS station. Our forum member Arul posted the link a few months ago. Even now a lot of people do cross over from central to park station. If you happen to visit the place at around 8 or 9 in the morning, you can see the huge movement.

1) :) typical misunderstanding , boston is very much similar to chennai it is a coastal city. We always think " i dont have this , that is why i cant get this".

boston's coastal alignment and chennai's are very different. boston has a bay area, where as chennai more or less a straight shore. just for your western argument sake, Chicago metro network is not swastik. Chicago has a lake shore more or less similar to the Chennai seashore.

how do you justify that only swastik concept will serve better for all cities? that's where you are assuming/ misunderstanding, that if it serves well for city A & B, then it has to server for all cities, irrespective of cities population distribution.

soon you may come up with, why can't chennai have a fully completed ring roads, 360 deg roads as its there for many land locked cities :nuts:


2) 10 Years back did entire chennai go south ? Now since all the development is happening in south the flow is towards south , 10 Years back it was west to east , i.e all were going towards mount road , parry's corner.
Traffic is how we plan it , tomorrow if all the development activities are pushed to north chennai , traffic will reverse.

We need to plan infrastructure in a way which gives equal importance to all areas and flow equally in all directions , that is how it should be planned , if not you will always have imbalance in traffic and growth.

exactly that's what i'm telling. wherever population density is spread, those will get the priority. no shapes has to be fixed before hand. in case of planned townships, it can be done in any desired shape.

Guys,

Being a costal city by itself does not inhibit Chennai from having a swastik model . While me may not get a complete Swastik like Washington DC below
we can have a modified one based on the direction in which Phase 1 and Phase 2 are headed . Please take a look at the Washington DC metro map.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/23/WMATA_system_map.gif


Looking above, I think some of the existing and upcoming lines in Chennai are laid out in a similar fashion

1)Orange looks similar to Luz-Poonamalle
2)Yellow - Tiruvottiyur - Airport
3)Blue - STM - Central
4)Green - MRTS
5)The diffrerent legs of the Red line look pretty similar to the suburban lines towards Tiruthani and Sulurpet.


We already have some of these exchange points planned similar to what is shown in the DC Map . They include

1)Vadapalani for Luz-Poonamalle and STM-Central
2)STM (Suburban,MRTS and Metro)
3)Guindy (Suburban,Metro)
4)Tiruvottiyur ( Suburban and Metro)
5)Mylapore ( Luz-Poonamalle and MRTS)
6) Chennai Central ( 3 Metro lines, Suburban)
7) Egmore ( Moolakadai - Tiruvanmiyur and Suburban)
8)Park , Beach ( Suburban,MRTS)
9)Ambattur ( Moolakadai-Tirumangalam and Suburban)
10) Tirumangalam - (STM-Central and Moolakadai-Tirumangalam)
11)Alandur - Metro ( STM -Central and Tiruvottiyur-Airport)



The other model that could work for Chennai is the Hub and Spoke model where we have different spokes connecting to one or more hubs as shown below

http://people.hofstra.edu/geotrans/eng/ch3en/conc3en/img/hubspokederegulation.gif


As TShyam said earlier if we need to get to the point where no metro is more than 1/2 km from your place ( like Paris) we need to give equal coverage for all
NWS Corridors.Hubs should be planned in such a way that it is possible to extend existing lines to far off places so that we have decnetralized hubs likes these

http://www.orgnet.com/hierarchy.gif



Later,

Raja

To some extent i agree , they all are in one physical location , but they are quite far and doubtful to be considered as switch points.

For e.g a guy with a pepsi cup in one hand and two rolling suitcases comes via one train , can he switch between any of these all by himself :) ?

Forget about that guy , can a disabled person in wheel chair or automatic chair come in one train and switch to another train in different direction ?

If you happen to visit the place at around 8 or 9 in the morning, you can see the huge movement.

Around 350-400 heads(approx) moves from park to central per arrival of a suburban from Tambaram. i.e every 10min.

Around 200-250 heads (approx) moves from park town to central per arrival of EMU from Velacherru i.e every 15-20min.

Around 50-75 heads (approx) moves from park town to park per arrival of EMU from Velacherry i.e every 15-20min.

This we can observe from morning 07:30 to 10:30 and evening 16:00 to 19:00hrs at Central/Park/Park Town station.

The above excludes the transits from Central to Park/Park Town, Intercity trains/long distance passengers of Central and also the majority crowd of Central from MTC which has stops at Central, GH and on PH road near to Park station.

I am eagerly waiting for the architect model of subway which will be coming for intergrating all modes of travel at Central station.

@Seku: Well said.
The metros might look fancy in new york or boston but on practical note, it would be best if we can ensure public transport to all the areas and connect to other... And also if ppl wanna travel from one end to another, it NEED NOT be after coming to one place... Rather we can have seperate routes to reduce congestion on a nodal point... Thats how exactly a metro like Sydney is and the public transport is THE BEST USEd... Im sure this will be a massive hit and would be a trendsetter for the country.

First 2 corridors planned for phase 1 is best suitable for our city. good thing is both the corridors route & station selected such a way only minimum private land required which will lead fast completion as per schedule and we aware the project construction work is currently going full swing. Phase 2 lines(Thiruvanmiyur-kilpauk-perambur-moolakadai-Redhills-Ambattur-Mugapair-Thirumangalam & Poonamalee-porur-vadapalani-luz)covers entire core city.

some thinking of New METRO lines:
1) Santhome-RK salai(citi centr)-Gemini flyover-Sterling rd-Layola-Ampa skywalk-Annanagar(even extend to ICF-Villiwakkam station-kolathur retteri.
2) Poonamalee-tiruverkadu-Maduravayol(Bypass)-Nolumbur-MugapairW-MugapairE-Koyambedu flyover-CMBT

^^ Good thoughts. Some more thoughts of metro lines.

* St.Thomas Mount/Adambakkam - Madipakkam - Nanganallur - Karthikeyapuram - Kilkattalai - Kovilambakkam - Hasthinapuram - Chitlapakkam - Camp Road Jn - Raja Kilpakkam - Kamarajapuram -Sembakkam -Medavakkam - Perumbakkam - Sholinganallur
(The above route covers one of the densely populated areas which also have cramped/narrow roads with poor connectivity, yet it connects the transit hub of St. Thomas mount and IT Corridor)

* Koyambedu - Chinmaya Nagar - Virugambakkam - Valasaravakkam - Nesapakkam - Ramavaram - Manapakkam/Moulivakkam - Tharapakkam - Anakaputhur - Pammal - Saraswathipuram - MEPZ - Kadaperi - Tambaram (I/C)- MCC - Christ King - Camp Road Jn (From here there is link through above corridor)

Also a small line in the existing Mount - Poonamalle road (From Poonamalle to Alandur via porur-manapakkam-ramavaram-Nandambakam) will reduce the road congestion and strain on buses.

There is a severe need of metro connectivity to Chengalpet and Mahabalipuram. This will decongest GST and ECR/OMR roads.

There is a severe need of metro connectivity to Chengalpet and Mahabalipuram. This will decongest GST and ECR/OMR roads.

No need for metro beyond Airport. Tambaram - Chengalpet stretch will be best served by adding two more tracks dedicated to suburban trains.

First 2 corridors planned for phase 1 is best suitable for our city. good thing is both the corridors route & station selected such a way only minimum private land required which will lead fast completion as per schedule and we aware the project construction work is currently going full swing. Phase 2 lines(Thiruvanmiyur-kilpauk-perambur-moolakadai-Redhills-Ambattur-Mugapair-Thirumangalam & Poonamalee-porur-vadapalani-luz)covers entire core city.

hi friend... i want to know whether the phase 2 lines officially announced or only consideration for near future....

Why they did not include the plan for metro from thiruvanmiyur till siruseri/mahabalipuram along OMR? Just because TNRDC fears that toll collection will be affected?(for a road that doesn't deserve toll)

Few pics taken on elevated part of corridor I i.e from Saidapet to GST/Airport.

No works is going on at Chinna Malai, I wonder why they have put the barricades for month together!!

The board says the land is owned by CMRL... St.Thomas station coming up here?? Do any one know?

http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/4914/dsc07925g.jpg

Works on GST road towards AP

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/4839/dsc07927o.jpg

barricade at Kathipara flyover

http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/5145/dsc07923a.jpg

New buildings near Kathipara guindy.. slowly Kathipara is becoming like Anna Flyover. I wonder how come the DMK has not yet named this mega flyover... :nuts:

http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/5686/dsc07922o.jpg

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/397/dsc07920q.jpg

http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/633/dsc07921fg.jpg

This pillar is much nearer to Guindy ROB, thats why I asked whether we have scope for ROB expansion for 6lanes??

http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/144/dsc07918x.jpg

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/6553/dsc07919rj.jpg

works near Spic, TNPL buildings.

http://img543.imageshack.us/img543/1184/dsc07917w.jpg

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/376/dsc07915w.jpg

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/4407/dsc07916w.jpg

^^ nice pics arul..

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/397/dsc07920q.jpg



Best pic ever!! Such a clean road in india :banana:

It is good to see a clean side walk too . One of my cribbings about Chennai is the lack of adequate sidewalks in several places . You find people walking on the road and risk themselves being hit . This is a consolation.


Later,


Raja:cheers:

Best pic ever!! Such a clean road in india :banana:

@fizo,Simple reason, there are no shops on this (elevated)road. The major reason why one does see filth is because there are no dustbins nearby combined with no heavy fines. All the government needs to do is to recruit genuine locals/shopkeepers etc. on each road to become their 'eyes' and collect fines. But before that, theres a need for dustbins at every bustop, small bins connected to all the electric poles, etc.

Why they did not include the plan for metro from thiruvanmiyur till siruseri/mahabalipuram along OMR? Just because TNRDC fears that toll collection will be affected?(for a road that doesn't deserve toll)
yes TNRDC even objected for BRTS implementation.. only survey is going to happen :ohno:

But before that, theres a need for dustbins at every bustop, small bins connected to all the electric poles, etc.
dustbins will be taken away by the anti social elements to make money.. Many Many big new metallic dustbins are taken away in pallavaram side

No need for metro beyond Airport. Tambaram - Chengalpet stretch will be best served by adding two more tracks dedicated to suburban trains.
TN Govt should bear the cost of additional 2 lines dedicated for suburban and also even they can share the cost for 2 EMUs.. but it is very difficult

It is good to see a clean side walk too . One of my cribbings about Chennai is the lack of adequate sidewalks in several places . You find people walking on the road and risk themselves being hit . This is a consolation.

Later,

Raja:cheers:
People alight from Guindy station use this pedestrian path very much to reach their offices,(SPIC, Wipro, etc) and women's college.

Velachery can be created as a destination for all OMR/Mahabs bound line as an offshoot of MRTS. This way it can also be eventually extended to Pondy/Cuddalore. A metro will not be able to provide this option. Since MRTS could be acquired under the Metro umbrella, maintaining the guage could be useful. In US, the railway lines could be used by multiple companies.

Similarly if Metro could develop the line till Mahabs which could be profit shared with IR for running trains till Pondy.

(Now thats just an idea..)

As suggested the St.Thomas Mount to South East like Kilkatalai will be a good option for Metro

TN Govt should bear the cost of additional 2 lines dedicated for suburban and also even they can share the cost for 2 EMUs.. but it is very difficult

SR is already converting the unused single MG line between TBM - VPM to BG. So there will be three BG tracks between Tambaram - Chengalpet in the near future. If they add one more track it would suffice. Metro line between Meenambakkam - Chengalpet will be redundant and a waste of money.

Guys... All are eager to see the Viaduct construction in the 100 ft road and progress in Saidapet and Ashok Nagar and KKN... If possible someone post it... If i do go there I'll manage to take a few

Hi friends,

I am really wondering how the metro rail will be constructed near Ashok Pillar and Vadapalani Junction.

Near Ashok Pillar - How the bend will be handled since bends near ashok pillar as well as next to udhayam theatre are going to be sharp bends. Even the bend near anjappar and telephone exchnage has the same.

Vadapalani Junction - And at the same time, goverment has annouced bridge near vadapalani junction which will be built over metro rail. This is also one of the thing which am eager to see.

Any one of you have any idea how this will be handled ?

Sethu

^^ The tracks will not follow the road alignment everywhere, and will deviate to rejoin elsewhere.

Hi friends,

I am really wondering how the metro rail will be constructed near Ashok Pillar and Vadapalani Junction.

Near Ashok Pillar - How the bend will be handled since bends near ashok pillar as well as next to udhayam theatre are going to be sharp bends. Even the bend near anjappar and telephone exchnage has the same.

Vadapalani Junction - And at the same time, goverment has annouced bridge near vadapalani junction which will be built over metro rail. This is also one of the thing which am eager to see.

Any one of you have any idea how this will be handled ?

Sethu

Welcome! All the issues you raised are discussed in detail previously in this thread. Please browse through it.

Velachery can be created as a destination for all OMR/Mahabs bound line as an offshoot of MRTS. This way it can also be eventually extended to Pondy/Cuddalore. A metro will not be able to provide this option. Since MRTS could be acquired under the Metro umbrella, maintaining the guage could be useful. In US, the railway lines could be used by multiple companies.

Similarly if Metro could develop the line till Mahabs which could be profit shared with IR for running trains till Pondy.

(Now thats just an idea..)

As suggested the St.Thomas Mount to South East like Kilkatalai will be a good option for Metro

Perugudi to Pondichrry Rapid transport system is needed. Indian railways should never poke into this project, as they will bring a drainage environment to alignment with their poor adminstation.

Pondy/TN gvt should take initiative for this instead of depending on the Central gvt. Hope everyone has see the plan for NCR RRTS. We need such system to Pondycherry, Villupuram/Cuddalore, Vellore and Thiruvanamalai as these places have heavy movement to state capital than other dt of the state.

Guys... All are eager to see the Viaduct construction in the 100 ft road and progress in Saidapet and Ashok Nagar and KKN... If possible someone post it... If i do go there I'll manage to take a few
am not sure if i can get pics, but i can definitely say that the viaduct is now over 14 pillars. the work to join the 15th pillar will begin tomorrow. :D

If Pondy is well connected by railways,with trains for every 10 minutes, it can well become like Tokyo-Yokohama Metropolis. I am sure the Chennai's real estate price would come down drastically.

Guys... All are eager to see the Viaduct construction in the 100 ft road and progress in Saidapet and Ashok Nagar and KKN... If possible someone post it... If i do go there I'll manage to take a few

I took some pictures last week before starting from Chennai, will upload them later today.

am not sure if i can get pics, but i can definitely say that the viaduct is now over 14 pillars. the work to join the 15th pillar will begin tomorrow. :D

Hmmm 3 pillars in 3 weeks. Too slow. Soma is going to miss its deadline for sure.

Perugudi to Pondichrry Rapid transport system is needed. Indian railways should never poke into this project, as they will bring a drainage environment to alignment with their poor adminstation.
Pondy/TN gvt should take initiative for this instead of depending on the Central gvt. Hope everyone has see the plan for NCR RRTS. We need such system to Pondycherry, Villupuram/Cuddalore, Vellore and Thiruvanamalai as these places have heavy movement to state capital than other dt of the state.
i think the proposed chennai -cudalore railway track is on this route only.
the line will branch from chengalpattu, thirukkazukundram, join some where in ECR, mamallapuram, pondy , cudalore.
From perungudi, new railway line will join with mamallapuram.. but it is not metro..

Hmmm 3 pillars in 3 weeks. Too slow. Soma is going to miss its deadline for sure.

ya.... after the pongal holidays, things are going at a very slow pace!!!

Minimum Fare 8, Maximum 23; First Phase To Be Ready By 2015
V Ayyappan | TNN

Chennai: Chennai Metro Rail is hopes to earn Rs 3,000 crore in its first year of operation after the first phase of construction ends in 2015. Ticket sales alone are expected to bring in Rs 2,760 crore, a document prepared by the agency says. The projection is based on the assumption that the trains will run to their full capacities.

According to a fare structure adopted to gauge the financial viability of the project, Rs 8 will be charged for a distance of two kilometres and Rs 23 for 27 kilometres and beyond. The actual fare structure would be finalised closer to completion in 2013 and 2015, said an official.

Sources said that Metro Rail would undertake property development at stations. In many cases, Metro Rail will purchase pieces of land land and develop them, either on its own or through joint ventures, to be rented or leased out for shops and other establishments. The agency has estimated to spend Rs 1,136 crore on acquisition and development of land.

Metro Rail will also earn by leasing of parking rights at stations, advertisements on trains and tickets, advertisements within stations and parking lots, on viaducts, columns and other metro structures. Metro Rail will offer co-branding rights to corporates and allow film shootings and such events on metro premises, said a Metro Rail official. All these could earn up to 10% of the ticket sales, the study has found. “The idea would work because metro stations are going to be huge structures. And, unlike the MRTS stations, these are going to be located along the busiest of the roads – Anna Salai and Poonamallee High road and 100 Feet road,” said an official. It is hoped that metro stations will not go the MRTS way where gigantic stations remain empty and deserted. Traffic studies mentioned in the project report says that Metro would experience 7.74 lakh passenger trips per day in 2016 and 12.85 lakh passenger trips per day in 2026.

To attract more commuters, Metro Rail will push for feeder bus services to connect all metro stations. The corridors are designed in such a way that all passenger hubs – railways stations, bus stands, moffusil bus stands and airport — will be connected by the metro corridor in the first phase which will be ready by 2015.

Profit On Cards
Projected revenue figures for Metro Rail after one year of operation:
3,000 crore in revenue in the first year of operation
2,760 crore to be earned through ticket sales

It expects to transport 7.74 lakh passengers per day in 2016 Expects 12.85 lakh passengers per day by 2026

Ticket prices: First 2 km: Rs.8 ; 27km and beyond: Rs.23
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=TOICH/2011/02/05/3/Img/Pc0031100.jpg

Source: Times of India (http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOICH/2011/02/05&PageLabel=3&EntityId=Ar00300&ViewMode=HTML&GZ=T)

Thanks a lot folks. Wow its 14 pillars through is a good update. I've managed to have a chat with one of the site workers in koyambedu (SOMA). He told this would be ready by 1st or 2nd quarter 2012...

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/376/dsc07915w.jpg

They have finished filling concrete in this pillar and were removing the covering yesterday night

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/6553/dsc07919rj.jpg

One more pillar behind this pillar is ready to receive concrete. hope they wolud be filling it by weekend.

i think the proposed chennai -cudalore railway track is on this route only.
the line will branch from chengalpattu, thirukkazukundram, join some where in ECR, mamallapuram, pondy , cudalore.
From perungudi, new railway line will join with mamallapuram.. but it is not metro..

We have enough time, both TN/Pondy gvt should snatch that project from Indian railways, otherwise for sure we will get:

1. Drainage environment to the beautiful coast
2. MPS would be 70KMPH and trains will be running at the speed of 30KMPH and Chennai-Pondy will take 5hrs by IR operated train
3. 1970's designed dabbas

-----------------------------------------------------

Hope the gvt wakes up before railways going to rape the beautiful coast of Chennai-Mahabs/Pondy.

We need a separate entity for executing this project. High speed rapid transit system. New coaches, new management, new technology, 150KMPH train.. i.e Chennai-Pondy/Cuddalore should be done in 1hr to 1.3hrs with stops at Mahabalipuram and few more satellite cities for Chennai.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Chennais-1st-skywalk-near-Central-station/articleshow/7429521.cms

The state government has given an in-principle nod for the construction of a 1km-long skywalk between the Park station subway and Muthusamy Road to expedite the progress of Metro Rail work on EVR Salai.

This will facilitate the demolition of the subway, one of the oldest in the city, for Metro station, sources said.
State highways department officials confirmed approval for the skywalk, which will be the first of its kind in the city.

The proposal has been cleared by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority and the Municipal Administration and Water Supply department. The 2.5m-wide steel structure will come up near the Park Station subway on EVR Salai, also known as Poonamallee High Road, and will connect Muthusamy Salai, along Central Station, Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital and Madras Medical College.

^^

sky walk is temporary one or permanent one? what about connection from park town?

There can, perhaps, be no doubt that the Metro is an absolute must for Chennai. Such a mass transport system, if linked with all other public transport services, will go a long way in easing the present congestion. What is worrying heritage conservationists, however, is the threat that the proposed routes pose to historic buildings, precincts and sites.

Madras Musings finds that the arm of the Metro on Poonamallee High Road will run along the historic stretch that is flanked by Ripon Buildings, Victoria Public Hall, Central Station, the Raja Sir Savalai Ramaswami Mudaliar Choultry, Siddique Serai, the General Hospital and the Southern Railway offices. It is also reliably learnt that Metrorail has approached the authorities to hand over a part of the front gardens of Ripon Buildings and Victoria Public Hall for construction of a station and to provide access through stairways to it.

If this proposed idea is implemented it would be a classic instance of the way governments work, the left hand not knowing what the right hand does. It is only recently that extensive restoration work was begun at both the Ripon Buildings and the VP Hall on budgets of Rs. 7 crore and Rs. 3 crore respectively. Ripon Buildings was also to have a new annexe built which would house the offices of the Corporation, leaving the ground floor of the main historic building to be converted into a museum. It is not clear as to how these plans would be affected by the Metro’s own plans. It must also not be forgotten that the front lawn of Ripon Buildings has several statues of distinguished citizens of Madras. Where are they to be moved?

As for Victoria Public Hall, if it is to sacrifice its front space, it is a moot point if the building can be put to any practical use as a town – people’s – hall. It will be giving away whatever little parking space it possesses. There is no other parking facility anywhere in the vicinity. Its access will also be only through the narrow lane that separates it from the Central Station.

It must also not be forgotten that the auditorium at VP Hall enjoys natural ventilation. If a busy railway station is to be housed within a few metres from it (as opposed to Central, which is quite some distance away), what kind of disturbance will speakers at functions, performers and audiences have to put up with during events at the hall? Therefore, to what purpose the high-profile and the expensive restoration?

What is surprising is that Metrorail has not chosen to ask for some land from the vast Central Prison campus which is close by and presently empty. It is practically opposite and will need minimum realignment of the Metro route. The land is said to be earmarked for the General Hospital’s expansion, but surely space equivalent to what is being asked for from Ripon Buildings and VP Hall can easily be taken from it.

Madras Musings a fortnight ago pointed out the threat to Mount Road buildings. Today’s story on Poonamallee High Road shows how much more widespread is the threat to major heritage buildings in the city.

Isn’t it time for Metrorail to call for a public discussion on its plans?

List of buildings and precincts likely to be affected by Metrorail

Along Mount Road: Simpson and Company; The Hindu; The Mail; P Orr & Sons; Poompuhar; India Silk House; Bata's (D'Angellis); Higginbothams; Cosmopolitan Club; Christ Church; Addisons; Bharat Insurance Building; Electric Theatre; Madrasa-I-Azam; Quaid-e-Milleth College for Women; Dargah Hazrath Syed Moosa Shah Quadiri; Gove Building; Thousand Lights Mosque. Along Poonamallee High Road: Memorial Hall; Southern Railway Office; General Hospital; Madras Medical College; Nurses Hostel; Central Station; VP Hall; Ripon Buildings; Raja Sir Savalai Ramaswami Mudaliar Choultry; Siddique Serai.

source: Madras Musings

I dont think the impact is as big as it is projected in Madras Musings. Yes along the mountroad till Spencers these buildings may be out but i dont think the central/cosmopolitan club has that much of an impact. This happens in all places. Because we cant get private lands easily and hence these will need to go thru a damage :(

Chennai Metro Rail will get 750crores for 2011-2012 from Tamilnadu government.

Source: http://www.tn.gov.in/budget/Interim_Budget_Speech_e_2011_2012.pdf

isnt the metro underground on all the stretches with historic buildings? after station construction is done, all that will remain above ground is something as big as a subway entrance.

One thing they should do is explore the option of an underground car park at central under the existing one and convert the surface to a park/recreational area. With the metro its going to become the single biggest transit hub with huge movement of people, breathing space would definitely do a lot of good

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Thats awesome clarity images ssk. Thanks a lot :dj:

Good to see the clean barricades without any posters. :cool:

There can, perhaps, be no doubt that the Metro is an absolute must for Chennai. Such a mass transport system, if linked with all other public transport services, will go a long way in easing the present congestion. What is worrying heritage conservationists, however, is the threat that the proposed routes pose to historic buildings, precincts and sites.

Madras Musings finds that the arm of the Metro on Poonamallee High Road will run along the historic stretch that is flanked by Ripon Buildings, Victoria Public Hall, Central Station, the Raja Sir Savalai Ramaswami Mudaliar Choultry, Siddique Serai, the General Hospital and the Southern Railway offices. It is also reliably learnt that Metrorail has approached the authorities to hand over a part of the front gardens of Ripon Buildings and Victoria Public Hall for construction of a station and to provide access through stairways to it.

If this proposed idea is implemented it would be a classic instance of the way governments work, the left hand not knowing what the right hand does. It is only recently that extensive restoration work was begun at both the Ripon Buildings and the VP Hall on budgets of Rs. 7 crore and Rs. 3 crore respectively. Ripon Buildings was also to have a new annexe built which would house the offices of the Corporation, leaving the ground floor of the main historic building to be converted into a museum. It is not clear as to how these plans would be affected by the Metro’s own plans. It must also not be forgotten that the front lawn of Ripon Buildings has several statues of distinguished citizens of Madras. Where are they to be moved?

As for Victoria Public Hall, if it is to sacrifice its front space, it is a moot point if the building can be put to any practical use as a town – people’s – hall. It will be giving away whatever little parking space it possesses. There is no other parking facility anywhere in the vicinity. Its access will also be only through the narrow lane that separates it from the Central Station.

It must also not be forgotten that the auditorium at VP Hall enjoys natural ventilation. If a busy railway station is to be housed within a few metres from it (as opposed to Central, which is quite some distance away), what kind of disturbance will speakers at functions, performers and audiences have to put up with during events at the hall? Therefore, to what purpose the high-profile and the expensive restoration?

What is surprising is that Metrorail has not chosen to ask for some land from the vast Central Prison campus which is close by and presently empty. It is practically opposite and will need minimum realignment of the Metro route. The land is said to be earmarked for the General Hospital’s expansion, but surely space equivalent to what is being asked for from Ripon Buildings and VP Hall can easily be taken from it.

Madras Musings a fortnight ago pointed out the threat to Mount Road buildings. Today’s story on Poonamallee High Road shows how much more widespread is the threat to major heritage buildings in the city.

Isn’t it time for Metrorail to call for a public discussion on its plans?

List of buildings and precincts likely to be affected by Metrorail

Along Mount Road: Simpson and Company; The Hindu; The Mail; P Orr & Sons; Poompuhar; India Silk House; Bata's (D'Angellis); Higginbothams; Cosmopolitan Club; Christ Church; Addisons; Bharat Insurance Building; Electric Theatre; Madrasa-I-Azam; Quaid-e-Milleth College for Women; Dargah Hazrath Syed Moosa Shah Quadiri; Gove Building; Thousand Lights Mosque. Along Poonamallee High Road: Memorial Hall; Southern Railway Office; General Hospital; Madras Medical College; Nurses Hostel; Central Station; VP Hall; Ripon Buildings; Raja Sir Savalai Ramaswami Mudaliar Choultry; Siddique Serai.

source: Madras Musings

isnt the metro underground on all the stretches with historic buildings? after station construction is done, all that will remain above ground is something as big as a subway entrance.

One thing they should do is explore the option of an underground car park at central under the existing one and convert the surface to a park/recreational area. With the metro its going to become the single biggest transit hub with huge movement of people, breathing space would definitely do a lot of good

Exactly!!!! The claim by Madras Musings is just ridiculous!!! The Metro is underground in front of all the above mentioned "heritage buildings". What is going to be over the ground in these stretches is just the entrance to the underground stations. and if at all they have plans to build parking lots near stations, it is going to be in a portion of land on the side of these roads and not outright in the middle of the road!!!

This article looks like a cry to attract unnecessary attention, simply because other cities with plans of a metro had such protests!!!!

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Good to see all of them wearing proper safety gears...

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Amazing pics shiv!!!!!


and for all those who want to know where the viaduct is as of today....... from the above pic taken on jan 28, the viaduct has now covered P/121 as of today. The work to cover P/120 will start tomorrow!!!! so it was only one pillar in 8 days!!!!!

the pace has reduced from 3 pillars in 7 days to 1 pillar in 8 days!!!! :(

Superb pics Shiva... I think they are on track to complete this by the end of this year or max Q1 2012. There would have been uncertainty over the budget and also we are not sure if enough segments are there... Hence there would have been a delay I'm afraid, but as long it goes without delays its great :)

Shiva, Thanks for the photos

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amazing picture quality, you sure do know how to take a picture shiva !!

shiva in full form!!

amazing picture quality, you sure do know how to take a picture shiva !!

^^ Thanks all..!! I wish I was able to climb some tall buildings and get some more pictures. Also I couldn't cover the stretch between Kasi theater and Kathipara, hopefully I'll try when I come back to Chennai during March.

CMRL is making good progress.
Thanks for the nice pics @sshivakumar! :cheers:

I dont think the impact is as big as it is projected in Madras Musings. Yes along the mountroad till Spencers these buildings may be out but i dont think the central/cosmopolitan club has that much of an impact. This happens in all places. Because we cant get private lands easily and hence these will need to go thru a damage :(
Aren't they building underground along Mount Road? Why will the Hindu, PRR, Bata buildings be affected?

^^ Guys.. read the fine print. S Muthiah of Madras Musings doesn't write articles just like that. Read the article below, I am just quoting few parts of the article.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/article1140971.ece

Some months earlier, some of the senior parishoners of St. Andrew's Kirk had met the Metro Rail authorities and had pointed out that Metro Rail's Poonamallee High Road line posed a threat to the unique well foundations of the Church.

The authorities showed appreciation of the situation and had IIT Madras engineers look at the problem and graciously accepted their advice to choose a less-threatening alignment 100m away.

This part is also underground, then why would CMRL call IIT and change the alignment.

INTACH, it is learnt, specifically pointed out that plans to raze buildings behind listed Poompuhar to site one Mount Road station involved pulling down a bit of Madras history. The buildings behind Poompuhar now belong to the Government Press, but they had been, from 1798

Also likely to be threatened by the heavy piling work for the station are Poompuhar's neighbours, Higginbotham's, and its sister company, Associated Printers.

But, what will be the effect of constantly-passing trains on old buildings? There doesn't seem to be an answer to that. In fact, if such train movements could endanger old buildings, there are a number of other old buildings on the Mount Road alignment that become cause for concern. These include Bharat Insurance Building, Addison's, Simpson's early home ( Cuddon, now Gove, Building), and the Thousand Lights Mosque, among others.

Well, one can argue.. infact I myself was surprised to see all underground trains in Rome where the entire city is a showcase of history. If CMRL gives necessary assurance to everyone and also take care of reinforcing the buildings that may be impacted with appropriate technology, then I don't see any issues further. Its the open dialogue thats lacking here.

Rs 3,000 crore: What Metro Rail hopes to earn in the 1st year



CHENNAI: Chennai Metro Rail is hopes to earn Rs 3,000 crore in its first year of operation after the first phase of construction ends in 2015. Ticket sales alone are expected to bring in Rs 2,760 crore, a document prepared by the agency says. The projection is based on the assumption that the trains will run to their full capacities.

According to a fare structure adopted to gauge the financial viability of the project, Rs 8 will be charged for a distance of two kilometres and Rs 23 for 27 kilometres and beyond. The actual fare structure would be finalised closer to completion in 2013 and 2015, said an official.

Sources said that Metro Rail would undertake property development at stations. In many cases, Metro Rail will purchase pieces of land land and develop them, either on its own or through joint ventures, to be rented or leased out for shops and other establishments. The agency has estimated to spend Rs 1,136 crore on acquisition and development of land.

Metro Rail will also earn by leasing of parking rights at stations, advertisements on trains and tickets, advertisements within stations and parking lots, on viaducts, columns and other metro structures. Metro Rail will offer co-branding rights to corporates and allow film shootings and such events on metro premises, said a Metro Rail official. All these could earn up to 10% of the ticket sales, the study has found. "The idea would work because metro stations are going to be huge structures. And, unlike the MRTS stations, these are going to be located along the busiest of the roads – Anna Salai and Poonamalee High road and 100 Feet road," said an official. It is hoped that metro stations will not go the MRTS way where gigantic stations remain empty and deserted. Traffic studies mentioned in the project report says that Metro would experience 7.74 lakh passenger trips per day in 2016 and 12.85 lakh passenger trips per day in 2026.

To attract more commuters, Metro Rail will push for feeder bus services to connect all metro stations. The corridors are designed in such a way that all passenger hubs – railways stations, bus stands, moffusil bus stands and airport — will be connected by the metro corridor in the first phase which will be ready by 2015.

Read more: Rs 3,000 crore: What Metro Rail hopes to earn in the 1st year - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Rs-3000-crore-What-Metro-Rail-hopes-to-earn-in-the-1st-year/articleshow/7429533.cms#ixzz1D7t114LF

^^ Posted already by coolmukund

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=72039809&postcount=3040

good pics.

the slow in pace might be due to budget constraint. in recent assembly budget (3 days back), they sanctioned around 750 Cs. may be now the work will be back to pace.

how many pillars exactly between Koyambedu & Ashok nagar?

good pics.

the slow in pace might be due to budget constraint. in recent assembly budget (3 days back), they sanctioned around 750 Cs. may be now the work will be back to pace.

CG has not released their share of money till now. Work being undertaken by SG funds only. MK requested PM to look into the matter and arrange for transfer of funds early,during his recent visit.

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Piling work in front of HDFC Building

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Vadapalani Signal

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:cheers:Very nice pictures. Tempts me to plan relocation to Chennai by 2015.

:cheers:Very nice pictures. Tempts me to plan relocation to Chennai by 2015.

YA MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE:lol: TOO

Awesome pics shiva :bow:

@shivakumar,

excellent quality pictures, never seen such angles while traveling in IRR.

Hey dont do that by 2015. The real estate never subsides here. It will hit sky by that time. Better plan now itself

For some strange reason the progress from Pillar no. 120 to 121 was pretty slow. May be more than a month

Amazing pics shiv!!!!!


and for all those who want to know where the viaduct is as of today....... from the above pic taken on jan 28, the viaduct has now covered P/121 as of today. The work to cover P/120 will start tomorrow!!!! so it was only one pillar in 8 days!!!!!

the pace has reduced from 3 pillars in 7 days to 1 pillar in 8 days!!!! :(

It is good to see a clean side walk too . One of my cribbings about Chennai is the lack of adequate sidewalks in several places . You find people walking on the road and risk themselves being hit . This is a consolation.


Later,


Raja:cheers:

Pedastrians are given last importance in this city. People who had visited US , Europe or japan must have realized how big importance given to pedestrians. this is long way to go for India ........but iam sure one day it will happen may be we will not be alive to see it...:-(

isnt the metro underground on all the stretches with historic buildings? after station construction is done, all that will remain above ground is something as big as a subway entrance.

One thing they should do is explore the option of an underground car park at central under the existing one and convert the surface to a park/recreational area. With the metro its going to become the single biggest transit hub with huge movement of people, breathing space would definitely do a lot of good

This is a good idea.
But sometime ago they planned similar thing in T.NAgar , but court dismised this option . I think it is natesan park .
They can build big malls around the station . similar to Japan .

Hey guys.. I have a question.. I noticed that soil/stress testing is going on at Thirumangalam (Towards Mogappair) junction.. There were blue barricades but with no signage.. Is this by any chance for the Metro rail work or related to the Grade separator that is planned to built in Thirumangalam junction? Any idea friends?

Simply Superb Siva....:cheers::cheers:

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Tall pillars just after the Vadapalani signal and the gantry being setup

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The crane setting up the gantry.. hopefully its fully set by now.

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Nearing Ashok Nagar..

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One more closeup of a pillar..

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Pillar construction in progress towards Ashok Pillar..

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good pics buddy...:cheers: when is the set 8 gonna release?!?! :lol:

My sincere appreciations to whomsoever who is doing these jobs. With so much traffic around they shoulder a lot of responsibility for a safe job. May God bless them with lot of pateince and mental strength.

Now here is a good news!!!! I think the pace of work has picked up again at the viaduct construction site in vadapalani...... oh but now it has entered the territory of mmda.... :D

i told you guys that as on saturday, only upto P/121 was completed. And guess what...... today when i saw P/120 was also done!!!! :banana:

the crane has also moved to P/119A which is just some 5 or 10 feet away from P/120. dono why it is so.... i guess it could have been some miscalculation??? but i also dont think that they will afford the miscalculation. There may be some other reason for it. we will come to know in due course of time.

Anyways, that good news is that the pace is back to 1 pillar in 2 days. hope they maintain this pace.

^^ It might be the effect of 750C from recent budget. Good to hear, anyways...

what is the share of central govt for each year? have they been allotted till now?

Great pictures!!!

Metro project appears to be zooming!!!!

amazing picture quality, you sure do know how to take a picture shiva !!

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Piling work in front of KK Nagar telephone exchange

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This is my last set of pics, next time I am in Chennai - I'll try to take pics from Kasi theater to Kathipara and also the Guindy strech. Meanwhile can I request all you guys in Chennai to keep us updated with more pics.

Shiva,
Excellent work.. thanks for the updates

Now here is a good news!!!! I think the pace of work has picked up again at the viaduct construction site in vadapalani...... oh but now it has entered the territory of mmda.... :D

i told you guys that as on saturday, only upto P/121 was completed. And guess what...... today when i saw P/120 was also done!!!! :banana:

the crane has also moved to P/119A which is just some 5 or 10 feet away from P/120. dono why it is so.... i guess it could have been some miscalculation??? but i also dont think that they will afford the miscalculation. There may be some other reason for it. we will come to know in due course of time.

Anyways, that good news is that the pace is back to 1 pillar in 2 days. hope they maintain this pace.

Yes, this was not a miscalculation, The place where these two pillars are located was a canal. This canal existed when the Jawaharlal Nehru Road was laid. In fact, a low lying bridge was built across this canal on JN Road. This canal runs through Thiru Nagar and joins the one near Aishwarya Mahal. Due to the encroachments on this canal, this has become invisible now! This is one of the reason for this area to be flooded completely during Rainy Seasons! A fact which the government agencies have ignored for a long time making life difficult for people living between the two canals during rainy seasons. :gaah:

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/DM/DINAMALAR/2011/02/08/Article//101/08_02_2011_101_006.jpg

* Teachers and professors of Pachayappas college start continuous fast against the proposed Metro station infront of the college
* They say it will increase the congestion due to people movement infront of college causing trouble to heritage rich college and also trouble to students

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Is there one pillar missing here :nuts: (near the red sign) The continuity seems to be missing

:dunno::dunno:
* Teachers and professors of Pachayappas college start continuous fast against the proposed Metro station infront of the college
* They say it will increase the congestion due to people movement infront of college causing trouble to heritage rich college and also trouble to students

Vera velai illai? Rather they should be inside the college teaching instead of opposing anything which bring progress to the city? :dunno:

I dont think there is any need to oppose this. There are acres of space before the college building starts and by no means this will prove an inch of hindrance... If no one should come and go infront of the college then it shouldnt be on poonamallee high road. ridiculous stuff

Where is that HDFC building? I haven't heard about it in the recent past.

More than the hindrance, they themselves along with the students will get benefited by getting a drop close to their college itself. I think, Delhi metro has a station in front of Lady Shriram college, and I believe there is no trouble.

And i dont think, the station's entrance/ exit will be exactly facing close to the college entrance. Anyone can confirm?

More than the hindrance, they themselves along with the students will get benefited by getting a drop close to their college itself. I think, Delhi metro has a station in front of Lady Shriram college, and I believe there is no trouble.

And i dont think, the station's entrance/ exit will be exactly facing close to the college entrance. Anyone can confirm?

they are not professors, rather call them idiots, How stupid they are,

Let them not to use the metro, once it is finished,

This college is famous for producing more Political rowdies & developing a student rowdy culture in 1960's than any other colleges in city. No wonder the professors have the same mind set. The students have changed the mindset and left to improve in life but it seems the professors don't want to change. It should be appreciated for providing Tamilnadu politics some good leaders also. (They used to call it Pacchayappan Pasarai). It's time they abandon all protecsts and welcome the new Metro with open arms.

* Teachers and professors of Pachayappas college start continuous fast against the proposed Metro station infront of the college
* They say it will increase the congestion due to people movement infront of college causing trouble to heritage rich college and also trouble to students

It will also benefit the college students. Infact they should do the strike to have the station inside the campus and teh sppedy work completion.Professors and teachers don't have long vision , what the f.. theya re goign to teach the students.

I would be happy if i have station in front of my house.

Is there one pillar missing here :nuts: (near the red sign) The continuity seems to be missing

yes

It will also benefit the college students. Infact they should do the strike to have the station inside the campus and teh sppedy work completion.Professors and teachers don't have long vision , what the f.. theya re goign to teach the students.

I would be happy if i have station in front of my house.

If station located near college it will be good for students.. no need to walk long way.. crowding reason looks ridiculous.. if they put salt in their food then they should not use Metro rather take DUBBA PTC and get down in far away bus stop.. :nuts:

if they put salt in their food ....

hahaha.. classic case of tamil to english word-by-word translation
:lol:

This college is famous for producing more Political rowdies & developing a student rowdy culture in 1960's than any other colleges in city. No wonder the professors have the same mind set. The students have changed the mindset and left to improve in life but it seems the professors don't want to change. It should be appreciated for providing Tamilnadu politics some good leaders also. (They used to call it Pacchayappan Pasarai). It's time they abandon all protecsts and welcome the new Metro with open arms.

Well the college is steeped in history as it has produced a lot of greats in the past. If you ignore the last 3 decades or so...

Ridiculous.. if these brain dumb professors are the ones to teach the future of India... They do not understand economics, transportation and even convenience.

It is critical to have a stop there as the traffic that branches to New Avadi Road can be benefitted.

CMRL must ignore these cheapskates who want cheap publicity without an eye for the larger public. Absolute nonsense. They are a giant black mark on not just the college but also teaching community by not giving any thought .. Shame Shame..

http://epaper.dinakaran.com/pdf/2011/02/09/20110209c_018101009.jpg

OMG, this is gathering dust :bash:

* The professors fast enters second day
* 3.5 acres is being acquired from the college(I think that's the ulterior motive)
* They are gonna uproot trees which professors say will affect environment
* Mass fasting on 12th involving professors, alumni etc
* To meet Dy CM Stalin regarding this soon

I wish the govt doesn't yield to the pressure just for the sake of votes.

^^

oruvella antha amma voda velaiya irukkumo?:bash:

I am not sure why they need 3.5 acres. Are they building a semi depot for Metro. This portion of Metro near Pachaypas is under ground so, so should need so much space above ground. Some thing fishy here. They may want some space for Metro offices and this is the only big open area available.

The press clipping says students study in open space in the free time. I have seen only anti-social elements playing cards in these areas. They use this place for all kinds illegal activities rather than studying.

are they going to build any commercial complex or any neta going to grab some land

OMG, this is gathering dust :bash:

* The professors fast enters second day
* 3.5 acres is being acquired from the college(I think that's the ulterior motive)
* They are gonna uproot trees which professors say will affect environment
* Mass fasting on 12th involving professors, alumni etc
* To meet Dy CM Stalin regarding this soon

I wish the govt doesn't yield to the pressure just for the sake of votes.

All they want is to retain 3.5 acres of land. rest all doopu
Marathai vetina environment spoil aaguma !!!
Pasanga free time le college campus le padikaranagala !!!

How many professor seriously make it to class and teach decently..
we all know this.

The press clipping says students study in open space in the free time. I have seen only anti-social elements playing cards in these areas. They use this place for all kinds illegal activities rather than studying.

:rofl:

oruvella antha amma voda velaiya irukkumo?:bash:

ithu mattum amma velaya iruntha..aaru masathula aatchi maaruna..metrovukku govindha!!!! :ohno::ohno::ohno:

Express take on Pacchappa's college.

http://expressbuzz.com/cities/chennai/pachaiyappa%E2%80%99s-college-won%E2%80%99t-be-damaged-cmrl/246372.html

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Will be a real boon to Pacchappa's college. I think lack of information or spreading of misinformation seems to be root of this issue. I do hope better sense prevails on all sides.

ithu mattum amma velaya iruntha..aaru masathula aatchi maaruna..metrovukku govindha!!!! :ohno::ohno::ohno:
Venaam aludhuduvaen!

ithu mattum amma velaya iruntha..aaru masathula aatchi maaruna..metrovukku govindha!!!! :ohno::ohno::ohno:
This must be the only reason DMK may get votes from public

According to me the total college has to be bulldozed not just 3.5 acres. Build nice IT sez after giving 3.5 acres to metro.
This is a failed institution and no point in holding prime land in city.
If govt does that than it will be of broader consequence all the institutes will focus on improving quality.

According to me the total college has to be bulldozed not just 3.5 acres. Build nice IT sez after giving 3.5 acres to metro.
This is a failed institution and no point in holding prime land in city.
If govt does that than it will be of broader consequence all the institutes will focus on improving quality.
We are sentimentally attached to our things a lot.. so totally this is not possible. Then there will be big hue and cry from all corners of the world by ALUMINI..
so lets be practical. get the motive behind those bad elements who are stalling this..

We are sentimentally attached to our things a lot.. so totally this is not possible. Then there will be big hue and cry from all corners of the world by ALUMINI..
so lets be practical. get the motive behind those bad elements who are stalling this..

I think all the alumni will agree to it.

Venaam aludhuduvaen!

:lol:

METRO YARD WORKS ON FULL SWING

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/DM/DINAMALAR/2011/02/10/photographs/102/10_02_2011_102_008_001.jpg
http://epaper.dinamalar.com/DM/DINAMALAR/2011/02/10/Article//102/10_02_2011_102_002.jpg
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Source: Dinamalar

* Works on full swing for construction Metro Yard opp to Koyambedu Market
* Yard coming up at 26 hectares area
* Since area is huge, its divided into small segments and works are carried out for levelling the terrain and hundreds of workers and massive construction machineries are employed to complete the task soon
* 12 tracks to come up. Each will have capacity to station 3 trains, hence 36 trains can be parked at metro yard.
* Since yard will occupy 2 roads leading to market, alternative roads will be constructed

Whats up with Pachayappa's staffs n proffessors????Hw come metro will cause congestion ????If its gonna be in front my coll my coll mates will be very happy regarding that....And besides pachayappa's students known for hooligan type of activities....I don know wat'll be the fate of metro

Line’s Proximity To Runway Will Force Aircraft To Cut Down On Cargo And Passenger Load, Say Pilots

The Chennai Metro Rail may have got the no-objection certificate from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for its incursion into the airport premises, but pilots and airlines are not happy. They think the rail line’s proximity will cost them, literally, if safety is not to be compromised.
AAI had given a no-objection certificate for the line near the airport because the proposed height of the track is lesser than existing obstacles like vehicles on GST road and buildings abutting the road. But now, considering the proximity of the line to the runway at the GST Road end, pilots have realised that flights taking off from the secondary runway may have to fly with reduced load.
The proposed Metro line approaches as an elevated one from the Officers Training Academy (OTA), and goes partially underground as it cuts across the flight approach path, nine metres inside the airport campus, parallel to the boundary wall. As per the AAI certificate, the line can be 6.5 metres above ground, so that its height will be lesser than the existing obstacles.
But airlines are not convinced. Airline officials consider the
Metro Rail as a fresh obstacle
because even if the height of the Metro line is less than 6.5 metres, it will be close to the runway. This will force airlines to cut down on cargo load, for safety reasons, for all category of aircraft from 40 to 60-seater ATRs to widebodied B747, B777 to A330 when they take off from the ‘12 end’ (Manapakkam end) of the secondary runway.
“Proximity to the Metro line will force us to cut down on an average of 50 passengers or the cargo equivalent, for a wide-bodied aircraft like the B777, A330 or B747. At least four passengers will have to be reduced for a narrowbodied B737, A320 and ATR,” said an airline official. The load on a departing aircraft is reduced if there are obstacles in the liftoff path. This helps pilots take off smoothly and well within the available space. Lesser load will also help a pilot control the aircraft better if it cannot lift off from the runway because of any glitch during takeoff.
As the takeoff load of a plane is calculated based on atmospheric temperature, airlines will have to suffer a load penalty daily for around 10 months in a year. During summer season, the load will have to be lighter. Moreover, AAI is planning to take up maintenance of the main runway after the extended secondary runway is opened. So, airlines will have no choice but to fly with less cargo.
“AAI officials are not providing details of the height of the Metro line and whether it would displace the secondary runway further. They merely say that there will not be any further displacement without giving details,” said an airline official.
Former pilot and air safety expert Captain Mohan Ranganathan said, “If an airline miscalculates takeoff weight, the flight could hit the compound wall and sustain minor damages. But if the obstacle is a Metro line, it could result in a major disaster.”
Similar will be the case for landing aircraft. “Majority of accidents happen during the final approach to the airport. If an aircraft undershoots the runway due to a variety of reasons including wind shear, it could hit the Metro rail structure. We have to cater to an eventuality while planning such things,” he added.
Experts like Ranganathan and V Krishnan, former office bearer at the Air Traffic Controllers Guild, have already raised the safety aspect of having a Metro line in the approach path of the runways at a recent Civil Aviation Safety Council meeting in Delhi.
TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT?
Part of the Metro Rail line along GST Road will push into nine metres of airport area close to its existing compound wall. The height of the Metro Rail track will be 6.5 metres from ground level
The secondary runway is already displaced by around 300 metres because of the presence of GST road Experts feel that the partially underground line of Metro Rail will still be a risk during emergencies
According to the Airports Authority of India, the runway will not be displaced any further

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=TOICH/2011/02/10/4/Img/Pc0040500.jpg


Source: Times of India, chennai edition, dated 10-Feb-2011 (http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOICH/2011/02/10&PageLabel=4&EntityId=Ar00400&ViewMode=HTML&GZ=T)

The Chennai Metro Rail line to the airport could develop into an engineering marvel of sorts after the unique challenges are overcome. The line will cut across the approach path of aircraft using the secondary runway.
Chennai Metro Rail floated a tender for constructing the Officers Training Academy (OTA)- airport stretch, and officials, during pre-bid meetings, will brief interested contractors about the challenges and the precautions to be taken.
The height of the elevated line will vary so much at different points as to give commuters the feeling of riding a rollercoaster. The alignment will deviate from GST road and run within the existing airport compound wall that is parallel to the Alandur-Meenambakkam road. Construction cannot be carried out as it is done elsewhere as the stretch will be close to the runways.
Several restrictions will be in place. “During construction of the Metro line, tall cranes and powerful lights cannot be used so as to avoid misleading pilots. Special care will have to be taken when demolishing buildings and relocating utilities,” said a Metro Rail official.
The vertical alignment has been tweaked to provide enough space for the Metro line to slant to achieve changes in height seamlessly. The pillars for the elevated tracks are placed at a distance of 28 metres and the height of the line varies from 11 metres to as low as three metres from ground level and then it touches the ground.
The stretch crossing the approach path of the aircraft dips partially underground before emerging to a height of 11 metres when it reaches Meenambakkam station. The area will have to be cut open and a tunnel built to accommodate the tracks as well as the overhead electric traction line.
Metro Rail plans to sink in the line to ensure that the height from the track to the overhead power line will be lesser than other obstacles, including the vehicles on GST road.
Metro Rail has specified the sequence of works to be carried out on the critical stretch: a temporary hoarding will be put up to barricade the work area, the existing compound wall will be demolished and a new one built for the airport, and, an Indian Oil pipeline passing through the area will be relocated further inside the airport. A service road running parallel to the compound wall will also be moved inside.
Metro Rail has also identified a couple of buildings that will have to be demolished to make way for the line. A cluster of buildings, mostly small shops opposite Hotel Trident, will be removed. So will be parts of Meenambakkam police station.


Source: Times of India, Chennai Edition, dated 10-Feb-2011 (http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOICH/2011/02/10&PageLabel=4&EntityId=Ar00402&ViewMode=HTML&GZ=T)

whats the length of the secondary runway?

God!! If I had billions of dollars, I would have donated some to make the entire metro underground.

Source: Times of India, chennai edition, dated 10-Feb-2011 (http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOICH/2011/02/10&PageLabel=4&EntityId=Ar00400&ViewMode=HTML&GZ=T)

God!!! quite an unnecessary article i guess!!!! AFAIK, It was recently decided that metro will be underground in front of the flight approach path and the news was published in TOI only.....correct me if i am wrong.....

so i really dont understand what the problem is all about now.....

God!!! quite an unnecessary article i guess!!!! AFAIK, It was recently decided that metro will be underground in front of the flight approach path and the news was published in TOI only.....correct me if i am wrong.....

so i really dont understand what the problem is all about now.....

apparently, even with that 'partially underground' design, it'll be a problem.

Basically, it looks as though each section is making sure that they express reservation on the plan. If anything goes wrong later, they can say "I told you so".

Instead of all these, they can try and go in for an underground alignment. We're spending so much. We can try a little bit more for the last stretch. If required, we can even come above ground just in front of the terminal.

^^ even the station could be underground. just for that piece if we come above the ground, then in future if that line is decided to extend further down south, then that time also AAI may show red flag. keeping it UG in the complete airport stretch may free some space for airport.

I was under the impression AAI and CMRL had agreed on the final designs. Is this a case of TOI publishing old news or the issue is still simmering beneath ??

^^

Yes.They have agreed,as per report. I notice mr Mohan Ranganathan keeps raising some objections or other in many media discussions on Flight related discussions.Don't know why? Self importance?

Why not just build an elevated / UG station on the GST road in between the airport and Tirusulam stations, and be done with it? May be even over the Tirusulam station, so people can access the airport through the subway. Why this fad with bringing the line in to the airport? After all if n numbers arrive at the airport by metro,at least an equal number of passengers will arrive by suburban trains, will they not?

^^

Yes.They have agreed,as per report. I notice mr Mohan Ranganathan keeps raising some objections or other in many media discussions on Flight related discussions.Don't know why? Self importance?

but whatever he says is valid, aint it?

Why not just build an elevated / UG station on the GST road in between the airport and Tirusulam stations, and be done with it? May be even over the Tirusulam station, so people can access the airport through the subway. Why this fad with bringing the line in to the airport? After all if n numbers arrive at the airport by metro,at least an equal number of passengers will arrive by suburban trains, will they not?

Though the Thirusulam station is right opposite the airport entrance, it is quite a distance to walk - from platform to the terminals.

I tried taking the train to the airport a couple of times and found myself exhausted and drenced in sweat by the time I reached the terminal. It will always be better to have the station within airport premises.

And it is not possible to have the station on the median of GST road due to existing flyover there.

Having a UG station with additional cost will be win-win for both AAI and metro in long term. One's benefit with other's loss, will be a loss to public in either case. Instead of Mr.Mohan Ranganathan raising the concern now through media, why didn't he come out public before itself? As a public, it's confusing to see repeated contradicting news, one day saying both agreed, and later one coming up with concerns (that too not on mere cost, rather on safety).

Having UG will open up lot more space for future development options as well. Bus stations and Rental taxi along with metro can make a complete ground transport similar to modern airports. Ground level can be a hassle free stretch with nice lawns. Parking could either made as multi-level or that too part of UG.

Having the metro UG, will also pave way to interconnect any new terminal which might come up on western end of the existing runway (as proposed in sridhar's plan in airport thread)

but whatever he says is valid, aint it?

He has said in the past,,,

1)Rubber deposits in the Air strip beyond allowed limit ,
2)Friction Coefficient offered by the runway not meeting Intl Standard,
3)Building Sy. Runway over Adayar river is suicidal,
4)Approach route to SY Runway from west not good enough.Planes may touch down right over the bridge and the impact force may be too much for the concrete pillars,
5)GST normal lighting will mislead Pilots,hence those lilliputians,
6),Now Metro height will be unsafe for landing from GST side

And we need American/British flight controllers to implement 'Gatwick' procedures.We are too safe and risk averse.

He has said in the past,,,

1)Rubber deposits in the Air strip beyond allowed limit ,
2)Friction Coefficient offered by the runway not meeting Intl Standard,
3)Building Sy. Runway over Adayar river is suicidal,
4)Approach route to SY Runway from west not good enough.Planes may touch down right over the bridge and the impact force may be too much for the concrete pillars,
5)GST normal lighting will mislead Pilots,hence those lilliputians,
6),Now Metro height will be unsafe for landing from GST side

And we need American/British flight controllers to implement 'Gatwick' procedures.We are too safe and risk averse.

I think these are areas where we need to be TOO safe and risk averse. this is no derivative trading.

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/3092/14thrail476405f.jpg

http://www.hindu.com/2011/02/14/stories/2011021457860100.htm

The government of Tamil Nadu has evoked special powers conferred by the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, to deny affected property owners the opportunity to raise objections towards land acquisition for Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL). These measures have been adopted in view of the urgency of the case, according to the government.

Last week, notices were issued to owners of eight properties on the Jawaharlal Nehru Road or the Inner Ring Road, where the first phase of the construction of Metro Rail stations is underway, for compulsory acquisition.

The notices make it clear that Section 5A of the Act that empowers land-owners to raise objections “shall not apply in this case.”

Parallel efforts by the CMRL to acquire land by negotiating with property owners or by offering Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) instead of cash compensation have not made much headway.

About a year ago, the CMRL identified properties affected by the proposed alignment and collected ownership details and documents from the owners. These details were given to a real estate consultancy firm to arrive at a compensation value.

Following this, negotiations were held with the owners to arrive at a mutually agreeable compensation amount, but without much success.

Under the TDR concept, a development right certificate is issued to a land-owner instead of cash when government acquires private land. This right can be availed of by the owner in some other property in another area in the form of enhanced Floor Space Index or transferred to anybody else for consideration.

Of the many property owners affected by Chennai Metro Rail, only four opted to avail of TDR and submitted applications a few months ago to the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA). Of the four, only one has reached the final stages of receiving TDR. CMDA sources say a separate section has been constituted for the purpose of issuing TDR and the system to keep track of certificates issued is ready.

When contacted, CMRL officials said issuing land acquisition notice was one of the three methods adopted to obtain the required land. If negotiations failed, and there was endless delay in the processing of TDR, the notices would be pursued and land acquired. Tenders to construct metro stations had been issued and the work was progressing at a fast pace to meet the deadline, they added.

Parallel efforts by the CMRL to acquire land by negotiating with property owners or by offering Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) instead of cash compensation have not made much headway.

About a year ago, the CMRL identified properties affected by the proposed alignment and collected ownership details and documents from the owners. These details were given to a real estate consultancy firm to arrive at a compensation value.

Following this, negotiations were held with the owners to arrive at a mutually agreeable compensation amount, but without much success.



I'm also worried about the final stretch of land required for the line to reach St. Thomas Mount station from GST road. After Alandur station, the track seems to deviate into the side road leading to St. Thomas Mount Subway. The first half of the stretch is clear as it has some unused small buildings (now demolished), commisioner office and a police station (these buildings have lot of space in front). But beyond this, the road is packed with dense buildings - houses and commercial spaces. How are they going to acquire land here? Any plans specified as of now? It may be the last 500 m stretch. But isn't that the problem with MRTS too?

As we see from the above news item, the acquisition process does not seem to be very successful.

Till now, the builders have just gone ahead with the easy stretches. They have not even started with the sharp bends like Ashok pillar and stretches like the bridge over Adayar, section over Kathipara etc. Only after such stretches are started will we know of any delays and hurdles.

^^ When crores have been spent in Phase-2 of MRTS and when the elevated sections have been constructed so far with just a tiny piece remaining, no one can stop it from completion. It is just a matter of time before land acquisition is done.

Yes it is going to tough acquiring land near the subway portion. MRTS is also struck in this portion on TG Nagar side. One thing good with St. Thomas mount station,(interconnect) is a lot of railway land available on the GST side so we don't forsee any problem on the Station construction. Let's hope Govt does everthing to convince people to part their land.

^^ Government has all the necessary tools to negotiate and also procure at a decent price. The issue will never get resolved till elections are over.

The inconsistencies in planning - SR, CMDA and lack of any overseeing body which could interject the houses that were sanctioned in the last decade all compound the problem.

Someone at SG must put their head firmly in to resolve the deadlock. People should be paid slightly above market rates (10%). Since its a SG issue to procure lands, the solution also has to come from there.

Coolmukund, 3 days back I was in Chennai and saw work progressing between 119 and 118 (over periyar pathai). Is it completed?

Coolmukund, 3 days back I was in Chennai and saw work progressing between 119 and 118 (over periyar pathai). Is it completed?

Nope :(

Even the gantry crane has not yet touched P/118. I think that it is because they have to relocate the signal in between P/119 and P/118 before beginning work there. So i think it will take some time...

On the other hand, the first Concrete segment has arrived in the site near Lakshman Shruthi Musicals. So may be in a couple of weeks time we can see viaduct there also.....

Seven pillars have been completed near Spic and three are coming up on the race course side of the Guindy flyover. Now action is getting hectic in the Mount post office - OTA stretch.

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/DM/DINAMALAR/2011/02/15/photographs/102/15_02_2011_102_028_001.jpg

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/DM/DINAMALAR/2011/02/15/Article//102/15_02_2011_102_027.jpg


Source: Dinamalar, chennai Edition, dated 15-Feb-2011

The article says that works are progressing fast in the Metro stretch till Officer's training Academy. The works till this stretch will be completed by Feb next year.

Separate tenders have been floated for the stretch between OTA and airport. Work will start in this stretch soon.

Rest of the article is essentially a recap of the Metro plan.

Nope :(

Even the gantry crane has not yet touched P/118. I think that it is because they have to relocate the signal in between P/119 and P/118 before beginning work there. So i think it will take some time...

On the other hand, the first Concrete segment has arrived in the site near Lakshman Shruthi Musicals. So may be in a couple of weeks time we can see viaduct there also.....

hmmm. This is troubling. Soma have reached the deadline (feb 2011) but has not yet completed large portions of work. Tenders for track is awarded, signaling is about to be awarded, UG section is about to start. At this point of time a delay in this elevated section can derail the whole work. BTW can you please mention the pillar numbers for MMDA colony signal, SAF games village and the last pillar on IRR? That would be of great help in visualizing your updates :)

Gansan and Vijay: Thanks for the updates :)

They mighted have slowed the pace of work becos the pillar work over the small canal near MMDA is not complete. Hence they have started the work in Vadapalani. But here also they might proceed only upto 4 pillars . One pillar is pending near lakshman shruti signal.

Any Idea when CCCL is going to commence station work. I find no sign of them starting the work except for the vadapalani stretch

hmmm. This is troubling. Soma have reached the deadline (feb 2011) but has not yet completed large portions of work. Tenders for track is awarded, signaling is about to be awarded, UG section is about to start. At this point of time a delay in this elevated section can derail the whole work. BTW can you please mention the pillar numbers for MMDA colony signal, SAF games village and the last pillar on IRR? That would be of great help in visualizing your updates :)

Gansan and Vijay: Thanks for the updates :)

Actually, they have started numbering only from Jamal Sonu Terrace (after MMDA) towards vadapalani. So i am not sure about the pillar numbers at these signals.

^^ En pa yaaravadhu andha pillar-a thookita poga poraanga...edhuku over-ana numbering? :lol:

^^ En pa yaaravadhu andha pillar-a thookita poga poraanga...edhuku over-ana numbering? :lol:

Yallam oru kanakukudhan. Nandan Nilkeni Indiaukae number kudukarar (UID) Namba Metro Pillaruku kuduka kudatha.:lol:

The news is a week old...don't know if it was already posted.

Source: http://epaper.dinakaran.com/index.php?rt=index/frontpage/20110211/01

மெட்ரோ ரயில் நிலையத்துக்கு எதிர்ப்பு
பேராசிரியர்கள் நடத்திய உண்ணாவிரதம் வாபஸ்
கீழ்ப்பாக்கம், பிப். 11:
சென்னையில் போக்குவரத்து நெரிசலை குறைக்க மெட்ரோ ரயில் திட்டத்தை செயல்படுத்தும் பணி நடந்து வருகிறது.
பூந்தமல்லி நெடுஞ்சாலையில் உள்ள பச்சையப்பன் கல்லூரி வளாகத்தில் ரயில் நிலையம் அமைக்கவும், அதற்காக அக்கல்லூரிக்கு சொந்தமான 3 ஏக்கர் நிலம் கையகப்படுத்தவும் மெட்ரோ ரயில் நிர்வாகம் முடிவு செய்தது.
இதற்கு எதிர்ப்பு தெரிவித்து பேராசிரியர்கள் கடந்த 7ம் தேதி தொடர் உண்ணாவிரத போராட்டம் தொடங்கினர். அவர்களிடம் மெட்ரோ ரயில் திட்ட மேலாளர் ராஜாராம் நேற்று பேச்சுவார்த்தை நடத்தினார். இதில் உடன்பாடு ஏற்பட்டதால், உண்ணாவிரதத்தை வாபஸ் பெற்று பணிக்கு திரும்புவதாக பேராசிரியர்கள் அறிவித்தனர்.
பேராசிரியர்கள் சங்க தலைவர் பிரகாசம் கூறியதாவது:
பச்சையப்பன் கல்லூரிக்கு சொந்தமான நிலத்தில் 60 சென்ட்டும், அதன் எதிரே உள்ள செயின்ட் ஜார்ஜ் பள்ளிக்கு சொந்தமான நிலம் 60 சென்ட்டும் கையகப்படுத்த முடிவு செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளது. பூமிக்கு அடியில் 50 அடி ஆழத்தில் மெட்ரோ ரயிலுக்கான பாதையும், அதற்கான ரயில் நிலையம் 15 அடி ஆழத்திலும் அமைய இருப்பதால் கல்லூரிக்கும், பள்ளிக்கும் எவ்வித பாதிப்பும் ஏற்படாது.
பயணிகள் ரயில் நிலையம் வந்து செல்ல தனித்தனி பாதை அமைக்கப்படுகிறது என்று சென்னை மெட்ரோ ரயில் திட்ட மேலாளர் ராஜாராம் உறுதி அளித்தார். இதை ஏற்று போராட்டத்தை வாபஸ் பெற்றுள்ளோம். இவ்வாறு அவர் கூறினார்.

Source: http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Chennai/article1462723.ece
A case of mistaken signboard
Aloysius Xavier Lopez

Within hours, a signboard of Metro Rail project put up on Ripon Building was removed

The Chennai Corporation on Wednesday asked Chennai Metro Rail Limited to remove a board that was installed by mistake claiming that the property where Ripon Building stands has been allotted to CMRL.

CMRL Managing Director K. Rajaraman said that the contractors were asked to set up the display boards only in the properties which have been permanently allocated for construction of metro rail. The contractors by mistake installed the boards on the compound wall of Ripon Building, which is only temporarily allocated for the construction work, he added.

Misleading

Within hours of installation of the display boards, the CMRL officials were asked to remove them as the civic body found the information “misleading.”

Mr.Rajaraman said that only a small stretch of land was required from the Ripon Building campus for the underground metro rail station that stretches up to Central Railway Station Parking area. The entry and exit of the station is likely to come up on the premises. After the construction of the underground railway station, the land would be handed over to the civic body.

As the officials feared that the display board would convey misleading information, the contractors were asked to remove the board immediately.

The CMRL installed display boards on Wednesday at more than 50 properties where work is about to start in a few months across the city. Most of the properties belong to various departments of government. ‘

The properties which have been temporarily allocated for the construction of metro rail include a portion of the Ripon Building premises and Victoria Public Hall premises.

Source: http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Chennai/article1462723.ece
A case of mistaken signboard
Aloysius Xavier Lopez

Within hours, a signboard of Metro Rail project put up on Ripon Building was removed

The Chennai Corporation on Wednesday asked Chennai Metro Rail Limited to remove a board that was installed by mistake claiming that the property where Ripon Building stands has been allotted to CMRL.

CMRL Managing Director K. Rajaraman said that the contractors were asked to set up the display boards only in the properties which have been permanently allocated for construction of metro rail. The contractors by mistake installed the boards on the compound wall of Ripon Building, which is only temporarily allocated for the construction work, he added.

Misleading

Within hours of installation of the display boards, the CMRL officials were asked to remove them as the civic body found the information “misleading.”

Mr.Rajaraman said that only a small stretch of land was required from the Ripon Building campus for the underground metro rail station that stretches up to Central Railway Station Parking area. The entry and exit of the station is likely to come up on the premises. After the construction of the underground railway station, the land would be handed over to the civic body.

As the officials feared that the display board would convey misleading information, the contractors were asked to remove the board immediately.

The CMRL installed display boards on Wednesday at more than 50 properties where work is about to start in a few months across the city. Most of the properties belong to various departments of government. ‘

The properties which have been temporarily allocated for the construction of metro rail include a portion of the Ripon Building premises and Victoria Public Hall premises.

So station station starts up near rippon building and goes on till central parking ? Isnt that very long ???

The news is a week old...don't know if it was already posted.

Source: http://epaper.dinakaran.com/index.php?rt=index/frontpage/20110211/01

மெட்ரோ ரயில் நிலையத்துக்கு எதிர்ப்பு
பேராசிரியர்கள் நடத்திய உண்ணாவிரதம் வாபஸ்
கீழ்ப்பாக்கம், பிப். 11:
சென்னையில் போக்குவரத்து நெரிசலை குறைக்க மெட்ரோ ரயில் திட்டத்தை செயல்படுத்தும் பணி நடந்து வருகிறது.
பூந்தமல்லி நெடுஞ்சாலையில் உள்ள பச்சையப்பன் கல்லூரி வளாகத்தில் ரயில் நிலையம் அமைக்கவும், அதற்காக அக்கல்லூரிக்கு சொந்தமான 3 ஏக்கர் நிலம் கையகப்படுத்தவும் மெட்ரோ ரயில் நிர்வாகம் முடிவு செய்தது.
இதற்கு எதிர்ப்பு தெரிவித்து பேராசிரியர்கள் கடந்த 7ம் தேதி தொடர் உண்ணாவிரத போராட்டம் தொடங்கினர். அவர்களிடம் மெட்ரோ ரயில் திட்ட மேலாளர் ராஜாராம் நேற்று பேச்சுவார்த்தை நடத்தினார். இதில் உடன்பாடு ஏற்பட்டதால், உண்ணாவிரதத்தை வாபஸ் பெற்று பணிக்கு திரும்புவதாக பேராசிரியர்கள் அறிவித்தனர்.
பேராசிரியர்கள் சங்க தலைவர் பிரகாசம் கூறியதாவது:
பச்சையப்பன் கல்லூரிக்கு சொந்தமான நிலத்தில் 60 சென்ட்டும், அதன் எதிரே உள்ள செயின்ட் ஜார்ஜ் பள்ளிக்கு சொந்தமான நிலம் 60 சென்ட்டும் கையகப்படுத்த முடிவு செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளது. பூமிக்கு அடியில் 50 அடி ஆழத்தில் மெட்ரோ ரயிலுக்கான பாதையும், அதற்கான ரயில் நிலையம் 15 அடி ஆழத்திலும் அமைய இருப்பதால் கல்லூரிக்கும், பள்ளிக்கும் எவ்வித பாதிப்பும் ஏற்படாது.
பயணிகள் ரயில் நிலையம் வந்து செல்ல தனித்தனி பாதை அமைக்கப்படுகிறது என்று சென்னை மெட்ரோ ரயில் திட்ட மேலாளர் ராஜாராம் உறுதி அளித்தார். இதை ஏற்று போராட்டத்தை வாபஸ் பெற்றுள்ளோம். இவ்வாறு அவர் கூறினார்.

ada padicha professor patharungala.....:bash: appadinna, athu UG line-nnu theriyamaley unna viratha porattama....:lol: namma panni kutty aana kutty maathiri ithuvum nalla comedy-a irruke....

(the great professors dropped fasting, after CMRL assured that the proposed UG line will not affect their college campus.)

hmmm. This is troubling. Soma have reached the deadline (feb 2011) but has not yet completed large portions of work. Tenders for track is awarded, signaling is about to be awarded, UG section is about to start. At this point of time a delay in this elevated section can derail the whole work. BTW can you please mention the pillar numbers for MMDA colony signal, SAF games village and the last pillar on IRR? That would be of great help in visualizing your updates :)

Gansan and Vijay: Thanks for the updates :)

Actually, they have started numbering only from Jamal Sonu Terrace (after MMDA) towards vadapalani. So i am not sure about the pillar numbers at these signals.

I actually bothered to just count the pillars which were not numbered and found out that the MMDA signal is in between P/100 and P/99.

The SAF Games Village signal is in between P/82 and P/81.

and the last pillar on the cmbt side of the 100 ft road is P/79 presently. i think two more pillars will come after P/79. they are starting the piling works for that only now.

the last pillar on the vadapalani side P/134. and P/135 is the first "tall" pillar in the lakshman shruthi signal. so i presume, they are numbering only soma's pillars.... since the stretch in between vadapalani and lakshman shruthi is going to built by CCCL, their numberings will be different i guess....weird..... i thought, the pillar numbers were taking count of entire number of pillars along the whole route....

Not sure why they are digging such a big pit opposite to OTA building(post 3144). This part of the Metro is on the pillars I suppose and they have never done dug a pit else where on overhead section. Is this place a starting point of Metro to come down and go a partially UG due to secondary runway location. The trees in the photos suggest the location is near airport and not OTA. Can someone clarify please.

Not sure why they are digging such a big pit opposite to OTA building(post 3144). This part of the Metro is on the pillars I suppose and they have never done dug a pit else where on overhead section. Is this place a starting point of Metro to come down and go a partially UG due to secondary runway location. The trees in the photos suggest the location is near airport and not OTA. Can someone clarify please.

They are digging the foundation for the pillar. Since the area is rocky and not loose L&T have not gone in for piling and using open pit method to erect the pillar, Airport is half a KM from OTA entrance. Till now they have reached only the military hospital. To OTA entrance they have to erect some 10 pillars. This location is before OTA in between ST thomas post office and Military hospital. As per the plan the metro has to move to the side of GST and will run inside the airport boundary wall. There is sufficient distance available to bring the metro to partially underground before airport.

Had been driving in the 100 feet road for the past six months....and it took almost 45 mins to reach kasi bridge from CMBT...but for the last one month traffic has reduced a lot....But on the other side Mount road-guindy stretch is becoming more congested right from 8 in the mrng to 10pm ......

I actually bothered to just count the pillars which were not numbered and found out that the MMDA signal is in between P/100 and P/99.

The SAF Games Village signal is in between P/82 and P/81.

and the last pillar on the cmbt side of the 100 ft road is P/79 presently. i think two more pillars will come after P/79. they are starting the piling works for that only now.

the last pillar on the vadapalani side P/134. and P/135 is the first "tall" pillar in the lakshman shruthi signal. so i presume, they are numbering only soma's pillars.... since the stretch in between vadapalani and lakshman shruthi is going to built by CCCL, their numberings will be different i guess....weird..... i thought, the pillar numbers were taking count of entire number of pillars along the whole route....

Thanks. Have they reached 118? What about 135 - 136? Have they started the work?

Not sure why they are digging such a big pit opposite to OTA building(post 3144). This part of the Metro is on the pillars I suppose and they have never done dug a pit else where on overhead section. Is this place a starting point of Metro to come down and go a partially UG due to secondary runway location. The trees in the photos suggest the location is near airport and not OTA. Can someone clarify please.

All the seven pillars in front of Spic building were erected by first digging a huge pit for the foundation.

Thanks for the info. I think the Pile design is different in this sector. The Ashok nagar - Kathipera is done by a boring machine and a lot more faster to do.

P/118 has been topped but there is a gap between P/120 and P/119A ( P / 119 A ?? ). Dont know why? May be since the gap is small they can top it by different technology.

Civil engineers!!!! please let us know why.

Thanks. Have they reached 118? What about 135 - 136? Have they started the work?

P/118 has been topped but there is a gap between P/120 and P/119A ( P / 119 A ?? ). Dont know why? May be since the gap is small they can top it by different technology.

Civil engineers!!!! please let us know why.

OMG!! What were they doing all this time? 119 was topped 10 days back. It seems Soma is compensating for all the rapid work they have done till now. What about 135-136? Any progress?

It was announced U/G work will start mid February, has anything moved on the ground?

Hey, thanks for the updates :)

And yeah can any civil Aanjineyars explain why they have left 119A?

OMG!! What were they doing all this time? 119 was topped 10 days back. It seems Soma is compensating for all the rapid work they have done till now. What about 135-136? Any progress?

It was announced U/G work will start mid February, has anything moved on the ground?

Hey, thanks for the updates :)

And yeah can any civil Aanjineyars explain why they have left 119A?

135 - 136 has started and will be over by tomorrow. They have also numbered the remaining pillars between mmda and saf games village..... Here again the numbering till P/109 is fine. then only after a gap of 6 - 7 pillars P/108 comes..... dono what is their basis for numbering.

NnBpE5lWacY

^^^^

Thanks DP

^^ :) this is all i could take during my one day visit to Chennai

BTW Y do i see a small gap at the place where two segments sits over the top of pillar ??

Thats a nice video, seeing Chennai roads after a while.. ummm, long way to go.

Great Video darkprinz :rock:
"Video is worth a Million Words"


the last pillar on the vadapalani side P/134. and P/135 is the first "tall" pillar in the lakshman shruthi signal. so i presume, they are numbering only soma's pillars.... since the stretch in between vadapalani and lakshman shruthi is going to built by CCCL, their numberings will be different i guess....weird..... i thought, the pillar numbers were taking count of entire number of pillars along the whole route....
135 - 136 has started and will be over by tomorrow. They have also numbered the remaining pillars between mmda and saf games village..... Here again the numbering till P/109 is fine. then only after a gap of 6 - 7 pillars P/108 comes..... dono what is their basis for numbering.

Coolmukund, I think the pillars are numbered based on the contract work. Here is my theory:
Soma has the contract ECV-01 which is for the viaduct from Koyambedu to Ashok Nagar excluding the stations and vadapalani flyover (which are part of contract EAS-04). So they are naming just their part (pillars that are not part of the station) - hence the gap between P/109 and P/108 (for Arumbakkam station) and between P/134 and P/135 (for Vadapalani flyover/station).
BTW, from the tender documents, it looks like the pillars for Vadapalani flyover will be named as VP1 (next to P/134) to VP46 (before P/135).

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/bangalore-chennai-metro-may-get-rs-6k-cr-budget-push/426104/

As a bonanza to southern states, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee is expected to allocate funds worth Rs 6,000 crore for Chennai and Bangalore Metro rail systems in the forthcoming Budget.

He was also expected to announce a Metro rail network for Kochi, officials said.

A token amount of around Rs 500 crore for the third phase of Delhi Metro, which entails a total cost of around Rs 28,000 crore, was also likely to be announced in the Budget, they added. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has proposed to add around 70 km through Phase-III to its 189-km operational network in the National Capital Region. Officials said funding could also be provided as a grant for expanding the Central Secretariat-Badarpur line of Delhi Metro.

At present, the Delhi Metro network consists of six lines with a total length of 161 km with 135 stations, of which 31 are underground. It has a combination of elevated, at-grade and underground lines and uses both broad gauge and standard gauge rolling stock.

Meanwhile, officials said DMRC, in a recent meeting with the Planning Commission, had made a detailed presentation to finalise the funding pattern.

^^ Hopefully this will also give much needed impetus to other planned metro projects in other cities like Jaipur, Bhopal, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh ...

Nice video DP. Exactly 6 months after your previous video update.

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/siemens-wins-power-supply-contract-for-chennai-metro/426153/

Chennai Metro Rail Ltd has awarded contract for power supply and Overhead Equipments (OHE) to Siemens AG of Germany and its Indian arm Seimens Ltd India Consortium for Rs 305 crore. The contract, awarded to the lowest bidder in an international bidding, includes design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of complete power supply systems.

Three traction sub-stations would be set up under the contract to step-down the voltage from 110 kV to 25 kV AC single phase for use for the traction purposes, according to an announcement from CMRL. CMRL has selected 25 kV AC traction power for energy efficiency and safety. This would be supplied to train through OHE to be installed along the track.

CMRL would receive electrical power from Tamil Nadu Electricity Board for a maximum demand of 60 MVA from three 110 kV sub-stations being set up by Electricity Board at Koyambedu, Alandur and Chennai Central.

The contract includes setting up of three auxiliary sub-stations at Koyambedu, Alandur and Chennai Central to step down the 110 kV to 33 kV for supply of power to stations, air-conditioning systems, tunnel ventilation systems, lighting and other utilities at the stations. The sub-stations will be of gas insulated ones for higher reliability and maintenance-friendly.

The entire power supply system could be monitored and controlled through Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system (SCADA). The remote operation would be managed from centralized operation control centre located at Koyambedu.

Besides setting up the facilities, the contract also includes provisions for comprehensive maintenance till end of defect liability period of two years after the completion of the project, added the company.

Nice video DP. Exactly 6 months after your previous video update.

Thanks all ... Wish am in Chennai to post more videos :(

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/siemens-wins-power-supply-contract-for-chennai-metro/426153/

Chennai Metro Rail Ltd has awarded contract for power supply and Overhead Equipments (OHE) to Siemens AG of Germany and its Indian arm Seimens Ltd India Consortium for Rs 305 crore. The contract, awarded to the lowest bidder in an international bidding, includes design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of complete power supply systems.

Three traction sub-stations would be set up under the contract to step-down the voltage from 110 kV to 25 kV AC single phase for use for the traction purposes, according to an announcement from CMRL. CMRL has selected 25 kV AC traction power for energy efficiency and safety. This would be supplied to train through OHE to be installed along the track.

CMRL would receive electrical power from Tamil Nadu Electricity Board for a maximum demand of 60 MVA from three 110 kV sub-stations being set up by Electricity Board at Koyambedu, Alandur and Chennai Central.

The contract includes setting up of three auxiliary sub-stations at Koyambedu, Alandur and Chennai Central to step down the 110 kV to 33 kV for supply of power to stations, air-conditioning systems, tunnel ventilation systems, lighting and other utilities at the stations. The sub-stations will be of gas insulated ones for higher reliability and maintenance-friendly.

The entire power supply system could be monitored and controlled through Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system (SCADA). The remote operation would be managed from centralized operation control centre located at Koyambedu.

Besides setting up the facilities, the contract also includes provisions for comprehensive maintenance till end of defect liability period of two years after the completion of the project, added the company.

So since the viaducts are up, will they start putting the signal lines or wait for the entire stretch to get over ??

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/bangalore-chennai-metro-may-get-rs-6k-cr-budget-push/426104/

As a bonanza to southern states, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee is expected to allocate funds worth Rs 6,000 crore for Chennai and Bangalore Metro rail systems in the forthcoming Budget.

He was also expected to announce a Metro rail network for Kochi, officials said.

A token amount of around Rs 500 crore for the third phase of Delhi Metro, which entails a total cost of around Rs 28,000 crore, was also likely to be announced in the Budget, they added. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has proposed to add around 70 km through Phase-III to its 189-km operational network in the National Capital Region. Officials said funding could also be provided as a grant for expanding the Central Secretariat-Badarpur line of Delhi Metro.

At present, the Delhi Metro network consists of six lines with a total length of 161 km with 135 stations, of which 31 are underground. It has a combination of elevated, at-grade and underground lines and uses both broad gauge and standard gauge rolling stock.

Meanwhile, officials said DMRC, in a recent meeting with the Planning Commission, had made a detailed presentation to finalise the funding pattern.

Eppa sami, vote kedaika enna ellam pannuranga pa???????

NnBpE5lWacY

any idea what is the under construction building near koyembedu seem in frame between 5:00 to 5:10 minutes int the video? :dizzy:

Madras high court has stayed a portion of metro rail project in chennai. A single judge granted interim stay on a petition filed on behalf of a temple in vadapalani, on tuesday

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Gammon-India-to-build-Metro-tunnels-stns-along-Anna-Salai/articleshow/7551711.cms

Chennai Metro Rail has decided to give the last big construction contract -- that of tunnels and seven underground stations along Anna Salai -- to a joint venture company of Gammon India and Mosmetrostroy of Moscow.

As part of the deal to be signed on Monday, the joint venture company design and build these stations on the Washermanpet- Airport corridor. The corridor is 18 km long, of which 14.3 km between Washermanpet and Saidapet will be underground. Metro Rail officials confirmed that the contracts worth Rs 1,947 crore have been awarded.

"Mosmetrostroy of Moscow will construct the twin-bored tunnels along a 6.4 km stretch, while Gammon will construct underground stations at Govt Estate, LIC Building, Thousand Lights, Gemini, Teynampet, Chamiers Road and Saidapet, said Vijay Vancheswar, head of corporate communications, Gammon India.

The work has been awarded as two contracts worth Rs 932.88 crore and Rs1014.42. "Mosmetrostroy has expertise in tunnelling and is involved in metro development for 80 years in Moscow. They have also constructed 177 stations and laid more than 300 km of railway lines," Vancheswar said.

Following an accident at Delhi Metro Rail construction site, Gammon India was temporarily debarred from applying for work in Delhi Metro Rail. However, the company has cleared its name. "The accident was because of a fault in the design submitted by another company selected by Delhi Metro Rail. We eventually completed the rest of the works for Delhi Metro," said Vancheswar.

Chennai Metro Rail has also awarded the contract for installation of overhead power cables and other equipment required to supply traction power for Metro trains. The Rs 305- crore work has been awarded to a consortium of Siemens AG Germany and Siemens India.

The contract includes design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of all power supply systems. "The contract has been awarded on international bidding to the eligible bidder who has quoted the lowest rate," a Metro Rail statement said.

Metro Rail will receive power from Tamil Nadu Electricity Board for a maximum demand of 60 mva from three 110 kv sub-stations being set up by the board at Koyambedu, Alandur and Chennai Central.

25 kv traction power will be supplied to trains through overhead equipment to be installed along the track. In the elevated corridor, catenary type overhead equipment as used by railways and in tunnels rigid contact system are proposed. CMRL has selected 25kv ac traction (in preference to 750 V DC third rail system), in view of the energy efficiency, safety and reliability.

^^ Great news!!

Now if only they would get the Anna Salai expressway plans finalized, we could soon see TBMs make their debut in Chennai!!

:banana:

All further construction works for the Chennai Metro Rail project was stayed at a piece of land acquired from the Sri Vengeeswarar, Alagar Perumal and Nagathamman Koil Devasthanam at Vadapalani.
Justice R Sudhakar granted interim stay till March 1 on a writ petition filed by the Devasthanam’s hereditary trustee G Prem Anand on Tuesday.
In the writ petition, the temple management contended that properties belonging to the temple were taken over by the government for the 100 Feet Road project in 1986. As no proper compensation was paid to the temple, it had approached the court for remedy. The case is still pending in a court.
While so, on a portion of the acquired property pillars were being erected for the Metro Rail project, the petition said, adding that it would affect the rights of the petitioner. When the temple authorities sought details such as height of the proposed structure, the CMRL authorities refused to provide any information, it said.
The highways department and the collectorate here too were unable to given proper reply to the petitioner, it said, adding that there was a proposal to build a bridge across the road at Vadapalani junction.
Noting that there was no clarity of purpose among the government agencies, the petition said the authorities lacked jurisdiction to acquire the property and put up any structure on it, and the very acquisition and subsequent works were going on in a clandestine manner. The petition said the project violated the religious sentiments of thousands of devotees of the 450-year-old temple and that the right of the management and devotees over the temple would be jeopardised forever.
The existing road and its margins were wide enough and there was no need to acquire any more land or use the temple land for the Metro Rail project, the petition said, adding: “Any further acquisition for the purpose is without any valid reason and legal sanction.” It wanted the court to stay the notifications in respect of the property belonging to the temple.

source (http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?Daily=TOICH&showST=true&login=default&pub=TOI&Enter=true&Skin=TOINEW&GZ=T)

^^

When gvt don't even give proper compensation for people, how they will give for temple?

And instead of staying the construction work, why can't the court insist the gvt to pay the compensation soon?:bash:

^^

When gvt don't even give proper compensation for people, how they will give for temple?

And instead of staying the construction work, why can't the court insist the gvt to pay the compensation soon?:bash:

The case is on since 1986. I dont even understand what can be there in this case that would take 25 years to investigate / decide? This is not some unsolvable murder mystery.

This is the rot that is plaguing the justice mechanism. And as long as this doesn't change, there were hundreds of 2G, 3G, CWG ...

http://www.hindustantimes.com/Gammon-India-bags-Metro-orders-worth-Rs-1947-crore/Article1-665789.aspx

------------------------
Isn't it gammon whose poor construction practice led to flyover construction mishap at Delhi few months ago?
------------------------

There is a saying in Tamil " Sivan Sothuu Kulaa Nasam" - Hope the Metro is saved from this karma. Wish by God' grace the project should be completed in time

I am posting the debate about this issue from railway forum:

The petitioner wants to know the height of the elevated part and distance between twon pillars... it should not affect the car pulling of Vengishwarar and also Vadapalani murugan temple which cuts the IRR. Here is the car pulling route:

http://i55.tinypic.com/5bw4xu.jpg

And i wonder when the pillars are going to fall on the median, will there me any more land needed for the project? TOI's article is not clear on this... And still they have not yet decided the height of the elevated part above the present Vadapalani signal and distance b/w two pillars?

The temples looks to be 800years old and belongs to Chola Empire with the Tamil inscriptions found in temple.

^^ Another classic example of shoddy planning.

6Ps to follow - Proper Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance.

I dont get this , Why does CMRL require temple land when the viaduct is going to be in median .. ???

And if the temple car route is the problem , Why cant CMRL provide that height detail ??

BTW that vengeeshwarar temple will be very nice ,... Have been once there , very very old temple...

The highways department and the collectorate here too were unable to given proper reply to the petitioner, it said, adding that there was a proposal to build a bridge across the road at Vadapalani junction.


What is this bridge that is being referred here?

There was a proposal to build an elevated road bridge over 100 feet road in-order to avoid the signal for traffic between Arcot road & Vadapalani Road. Alas this is not going to be possible.

Chennai will have to live with the circutous one way hazzles to go from Arcot Road to Vadapalani.

Also, no flyover or road over bridge is going to be possible all the way from Koyambedu to Alandur. All the best Chennai!

Dark Prinz, your video update on metro rail construction is too good.
Loads of info at one shot.
keep it up.

ada padicha professor patharungala.....:bash: appadinna, athu UG line-nnu theriyamaley unna viratha porattama....:lol: namma panni kutty aana kutty maathiri ithuvum nalla comedy-a irruke....

(the great professors dropped fasting, after CMRL assured that the proposed UG line will not affect their college campus.)

Note: Irrelevant to metro, but connected in a way :)

The question we all might've had a week ago was, what kind of quality these padicha padaru professors in pachayappas are instilling in their students. Answer is in todays headlines. For the first time I felt sorry for our police. Just hope they dont get ideas to port this culture to metro and create Corridor-1 day. :nuts::nuts::nuts:

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/4969/pachaiappan.png

Just hope they dont get ideas to port this culture to metro and create Corridor-1 day. :nuts::nuts::nuts:


Dont worry, the corridor in PH road is underground. Even on overground, if they travel on top of the train, they will be electrocuted due to power lines. That is infact better for our country. Frankly speaking much of these so called arrogant students from these colleges will become politicians or rowdies only in future. Instead, let them celebrate Corridor-1 day and get electrocuted.

Look at the police inspector running. Looks so funny.. I dont know whether to laugh or cry. I dont want to bring politics in here but something like this would never happen under JJ. Those goons would have been shown their place by the police.

but something like this would never happen under JJ. Those goons would have been shown their place by the police.

True. Like her or not. That is the fact. (btw, i dont support any party)

http://www.hindustantimes.com/Gammon-India-bags-Metro-orders-worth-Rs-1947-crore/Article1-665789.aspx

------------------------
Isn't it gammon whose poor construction practice led to flyover construction mishap at Delhi few months ago?
------------------------

Gammon is a well known player in India for yrs now..may be the particular contractor(in Gammon) was corrupt?

09TfkmHZxpI

Quite short video :)

What is this bridge that is being referred here?

There was a proposal to build an elevated road bridge over 100 feet road in-order to avoid the signal for traffic between Arcot road & Vadapalani Road. Alas this is not going to be possible.

Chennai will have to live with the circutous one way hazzles to go from Arcot Road to Vadapalani.

Also, no flyover or road over bridge is going to be possible all the way from Koyambedu to Alandur. All the best Chennai!

Cant get u , They are building it !!!! then what makes u say its not possible ??:nuts:

Dark Prinz, your video update on metro rail construction is too good.
Loads of info at one shot.
keep it up.

thanks mate :)

DP can you explain where exactly you took this video? My understanding is that you are moving from Chinmaya Nagar side towards 100ft road. Am I right?

I am posting the debate about this issue from railway forum:

The petitioner wants to know the height of the elevated part and distance between twon pillars... it should not affect the car pulling of Vengishwarar and also Vadapalani murugan temple which cuts the IRR. Here is the car pulling route:


Make a new Car short enough to go thro or abandon this old habit in an aspiring Global City!

We can't live for ever carrying all old bags. Modernity should be introduced in religious practice too. We seem to over do to show off our faith.

... And still they have not yet decided the height of the elevated part above the present Vadapalani signal and distance b/w two pillars?

http://www.chennaimetrorail.gov.in/EAS-04_Drawing/10A_ViaductStructure_1.pdf
http://www.chennaimetrorail.gov.in/EAS-04_Drawing/10B_ViaductStructure_2.pdf

These two tender documents clearly describe the planned height and distance between the pillars for the whole vadapalani flyover/viaduct. I wonder why CMRL couldn't just give these already available details to the temple authority?:doh:

Make a new Car short enough to go thro or abandon this old habit in an aspiring Global City!

We can't live for ever carrying all old bags. Modernity should be introduced in religious practice too. We seem to over do to show off our faith.

Far more simple, why you want to cross the median with the "ther"? Ther pulling happens once in a while and we can proceed along the wrong side of the road itself(with proper traffic regulation under control during ther pulling) and complete the round trip.!! Also eliminating one practice for the sake of modernisation will be lifeless. Both has to mix properly.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/Gammon-India-bags-Metro-orders-worth-Rs-1947-crore/Article1-665789.aspx

------------------------
Isn't it gammon whose poor construction practice led to flyover construction mishap at Delhi few months ago?
------------------------

Picture of metro viaduct from hindu on the same news: http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Chennai/article1483336.ece

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00485/23VBG_METRO_485720f.jpg
Construction of elevated viaduct for the Chennai Metro Rail is seeing rapid progress in the Koyambedu and Ashok Nagar areas in Chennai. Pillars have sprung up right across this stretch. A scene in January 2011. Photo: S. S. Kumar

Make a new Car short enough to go thro or abandon this old habit in an aspiring Global City!

We can't live for ever carrying all old bags. Modernity should be introduced in religious practice too. We seem to over do to show off our faith.

To be frank with all due respect to religious sentiments Vengiswarar temple dispute is more complicated than everyone thinks. The temple is managed by 2 powerful wealthy groups and their fight had reached high propositions leading to a couple of murders. If you go inside the temple you will know how badly it is maintained. This case is also a show of supermacy so that they can boast we stopped the metro work.:nuts:

DP can you explain where exactly you took this video? My understanding is that you are moving from Chinmaya Nagar side towards 100ft road. Am I right?

http://i52.tinypic.com/25z3y1e.jpg

Dude you didnt have to go to such lengths for explaining to me!! You could have just told me in words. I feel guilty for wasting your time. Thanks man.

Come on DP Wonderful You are my guru in skyscrapper.

Dude you didnt have to go to such lengths for explaining to me!! You could have just told me in words. I feel guilty for wasting your time. Thanks man.

Its ok ..these things are interesting for me than my engineering :lol:

Come on DP Wonderful You are my guru in skyscrapper.

naan 21 aged chinna payyan ... Dont make me guru n all :lol: ...

Make a new Car short enough to go thro or abandon this old habit in an aspiring Global City!

We can't live for ever carrying all old bags. Modernity should be introduced in religious practice too. We seem to over do to show off our faith.

I wish we even do our faith. Contrary to your statement, reality is far from truth. Try replacing the Thousand Lights mosque with your metro station. Chennai will be history with blood bath.

I am definitely not for blind following of rituals.

There are some healthy traditions from the past which are getting killed in the name of modernisation. The so called rationalists never care to dive deeper than the surface of our culture and religion. The temple was centuries older than the metro which tells that people have revered and used to grow themselves over centuries. So atleast from a historic perspective this must be respected.

(Everyday I cross a tree on way to work (in US), which has a board telling that beneath this tree some general sat and rested enroute to some US battle.. people are proud of their roots)

People who are not understanding their roots can never come with a vision for future.(Leo please do not mistake this as a personal statement.. am talking in general). We stand on our past, irrespective of our acknowledgement. The way we respect it shows that we can learn from it.

Having a global city doesnt mean you destroy all historical evidences or give up religious/spritual growth. I am passionate for the metro, but that doesnt mean some brilliant (ir)rationalist should come and destroy the native culture, temples... (so that they can ape the west better..). Just because you do not seem to understand or take advantage of these rituals, doesnt mean, they are meaningless..akin to the cat closing its eyes and saying the world has darkened.

India's future lies in revering its past, planning for a great future, but acting selflessly in the present.

Its ok ..these things are interesting for me than my engineering :lol:



naan 21 aged chinna payyan ... Dont make me guru n all :lol: ...

hey if you become the guru, please make me the one who takes care of the galla potti.. ;) .. lol

DP - I know your enthusiam for contribution.. Keep it up

Make a new Car short enough to go thro or abandon this old habit in an aspiring Global City!

We can't live for ever carrying all old bags. Modernity should be introduced in religious practice too. We seem to over do to show off our faith.

gr8 sir!:nuts:

We can abolish old habit (like) this...

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_c70ddy4JCqw/R-Okj80GxzI/AAAAAAAACyQ/nFAtXHm-kfE/s400/21_03_2008_014_004.jpg

and became a global city like this....

http://www.google.co.in/images?hl=en&biw=1259&bih=644&q=brazil%20carnival&wrapid=tlif129852096766511&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Chennai temple cars are not that height, they should be able to accomodate the required height for the viaduct! But if it goes un-feasible then wlbkng suggestion should be the give and take policy. As Satchitananda questioned gvt will not have guts to touch santhome church for coastal expressway or thousand lights mosque for Anna salai metro or expansion! why can't they apply same yard stick for the temples too? Temple has given enough land for IRR in 1980's itself as said TOI article is not clear about whether CMRL needs more land.

Nothing spectacular, but some updates from Monday... :)

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/8206/photo0105v.jpg

http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/262/photo0106nc.jpg

http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/7822/photo0107e.jpg

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/9199/photo0108s.jpg

http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/761/photo0109s.jpg

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/9421/photo0110g.jpg

http://img840.imageshack.us/img840/4317/photo0111r.jpg

^^ Thanks for the pics, Prakash :)

gr8 sir!:nuts:

We can abolish old habit (like) this...

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_c70ddy4JCqw/R-Okj80GxzI/AAAAAAAACyQ/nFAtXHm-kfE/s400/21_03_2008_014_004.jpg

and became a global city like this....

http://www.google.co.in/images?hl=en&biw=1259&bih=644&q=brazil%20carnival&wrapid=tlif129852096766511&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Chennai temple cars are not that height, they should be able to accomodate the required height for the viaduct! But if it goes un-feasible then wlbkng suggestion should be the give and take policy. As Satchitananda questioned gvt will not have guts to touch santhome church for coastal expressway or thousand lights mosque for Anna salai metro or expansion! why can't they apply same yard stick for the temples too? Temple has given enough land for IRR in 1980's itself as said TOI article is not clear about whether CMRL needs more land.
becarefull,digvijay(congress) may think you are saffron terrorist:lol:

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/9421/photo0110g.jpg



Nice updates. Is that your auto? Cuz I can see a 'ferrari' logo on the side view mirror in the abv pic.. neenga dan unmayana ferrari fan.. :lol:

Nice updates. Is that your auto? Cuz I can see a 'ferrari' logo on the side view mirror in the abv pic.. neenga dan unmayana ferrari fan.. :lol:

Keen observation :)

Nice to see 118 topped out. Thanks for the updates FF :)

(Everyday I cross a tree on way to work (in US), which has a board telling that beneath this tree some general sat and rested enroute to some US battle.. people are proud of their roots)

People who are not understanding their roots can never come with a vision for future.(Leo please do not mistake this as a personal statement.. am talking in general). We stand on our past, irrespective of our acknowledgement. The way we respect it shows that we can learn from it.

Having a global city doesnt mean you destroy all historical evidences or give up religious/spritual growth. I am passionate for the metro, but that doesnt mean some brilliant (ir)rationalist should come and destroy the native culture, temples... (so that they can ape the west better..). Just because you do not seem to understand or take advantage of these rituals, doesnt mean, they are meaningless..akin to the cat closing its eyes and saying the world has darkened.

India's future lies in revering its past, planning for a great future, but acting selflessly in the present.



You can't have root and wings both are diametrically opposite. Like US we also should show our symbolic respect to tradition. Given the prevailing conditons in the globe we atleast i don't know What is good and bad of either being conservative or Ultra modern. Only Time has to answer.

Nice updates. Is that your auto? Cuz I can see a 'ferrari' logo on the side view mirror in the abv pic.. neenga dan unmayana ferrari fan.. :lol:

:lol: Wow how did you notice that?! Fantastic!

And to keep the string of good observation going...

You'll notice that in the rear-view mirror the Ferrari logo is oriented correctly - meaning that the actual sticker on the windscreen is a wrongly made mirror-image logo..

That auto is a FAKE! I only own original Ferrari autos - not duplicates like this.. :lol:

Nice pics ferrari fan :cheers:

:lol: Wow how did you notice that?! Fantastic!

And to keep the string of good observation going...

You'll notice that in the rear-view mirror the Ferrari logo is oriented correctly - meaning that the actual sticker on the windscreen is a wrongly made mirror-image logo..

That auto is a FAKE! I only own original Ferrari autos - not duplicates like this.. :lol:

Nice observation once again. But there is another possibility. I suppose there are two ferrari logos(only one is visible in the right side mirror, another being on the left side). So one of the logos is oriented correctly which means that half of the auto is ferrari whilst the rest is fake.(I know its getting more mokkai :nuts:)

And on top of that you are sitting on the fake side of the auto. oh no!! You aint true ferrari fan!! :lol:

You can't have root and wings both are diametrically opposite. Like US we also should show our symbolic respect to tradition. Given the prevailing conditons in the globe we atleast i don't know What is good and bad of either being conservative or Ultra modern. Only Time has to answer.

Well Krishna has already given an answer for such dilemmas in Bhagavad Gita. (Highly recommend all open minded folks to read it.. atleast for getting some practical tips on management, life.. not just growing beard type of spirituality.. in fact, BG is more practical for normal people than for spiritualists, nor is it only for hindus only)

Being Moderate, never the extremes is the way to go. Conservatives have a situation of being over stuck with something which they cannot even define why they are defending. Worser is the plight of (Ir)rationalists or Ultra modernists, where they cannot even hold balance with their thoughts, words and action.


Nice pics, Prakash (aka Ferrari fan... thanks to the moderators your real name is more popular than Ferrari.. )

Pugaipadangalukku Nandri :)

Nice pics ferrari fan :cheers:

+1:cheers:

My friend, living close to Thiru-vi-ka park in shenoy nagar told that they have already shut the park down and have also started digging the ground... Now thats one good news to hear.

For those who do not have any clue as to why i typed the above lines, Thiru-vi-ka park is one of the three parks in the city which will be closed down for the next three years to kick off the tunneling works of the underground section of the Chennai Metro Rail. The Tunnel Boring Machines will be lowered to the ground from here and the tunnelling will start from here. Also the Shenoy nagar u/g station will be coming up below thiru-vi-ka park.

These parks were scheduled to be shut down from March 1st week. But, they have started the work a couple of weeks earlier. i hope this is a good sign and the trend remains.....

Viaduct Update:
the viaduct has reached P/117 and work to reach P/116 has started.
on the lakshman shruthi signal, P/135 - P/136 has been completed. Work to reach P/137 has started.

Nice observation once again. But there is another possibility. I suppose there are two ferrari logos(only one is visible in the right side mirror, another being on the left side). So one of the logos is oriented correctly which means that half of the auto is ferrari whilst the rest is fake.(I know its getting more mokkai :nuts:)

And on top of that you are sitting on the fake side of the auto. oh no!! You aint true ferrari fan!! :lol:

:lol:

My friend, living close to Thiru-vi-ka park in shenoy nagar told that they have already shut the park down and have also started digging the ground... Now thats one good news to hear.

For those who do not have any clue as to why i typed the above lines, Thiru-vi-ka park is one of the three parks in the city which will be closed down for the next three years to kick off the tunneling works of the underground section of the Chennai Metro Rail. The Tunnel Boring Machines will be lowered to the ground from here and the tunnelling will start from here. Also the Shenoy nagar u/g station will be coming up below thiru-vi-ka park.

These parks were scheduled to be shut down from March 1st week. But, they have started the work a couple of weeks earlier. i hope this is a good sign and the trend remains.....

Viaduct Update:
the viaduct has reached P/117 and work to reach P/116 has started.
on the lakshman shruthi signal, P/135 - P/136 has been completed. Work to reach P/137 has started.

Great!! All the major contracts except signaling is awarded right?

^^ Nope, there are quite a few more..

Signaling & Telecommunication, Automatic Ticketing system, Tunnel Ventilation system are the one I can think off for now.

Yup. Thiru Vi Ka park has been shut since last monday and also 2 full streeets in aminjikarai have been given notices almost a year ago but still they havent been evicted. Not sure what the plan is now :(

Tenders awarded is a good news. Better news is 6K Crore has been allotted to Chennai and Bangalore Metro. Not sure if its a 3kc - 3kc split :(

Segment launchers are being launched onto the pillars in the stretch between Kathipara and Kasi Theatre bridge. Segment placing should start in a few days.


Similarly, Segment Launchers have been placed and one span between 2 pillars almost completed near Lakshman Shruti Signal. But I have a doubt here - The launching is being carried out between the signal and the vadapalani signal where there are only a few pillars. There is a huge gap in pillars near the Lakshman Shruti signal and I dont see any new pillar coming up. So, will there a be longer span there to accommodate the signal? If that is the case, then the stretch till Ashok pillar can be completed in max 2 months.

So far, they have not handled any curves like the Ashok Pillar stretch, stretch over the river etc where the line deviates from median. Eager to see those works starting.

Segment launchers are being launched onto the pillars in the stretch between Kathipara and Kasi Theatre bridge. Segment placing should start in a few days.


Similarly, Segment Launchers have been placed and one span between 2 pillars almost completed near Lakshman Shruti Signal. But I have a doubt here - The launching is being carried out between the signal and the vadapalani signal where there are only a few pillars. There is a huge gap in pillars near the Lakshman Shruti signal and I dont see any new pillar coming up. So, will there a be longer span there to accommodate the signal? If that is the case, then the stretch till Ashok pillar can be completed in max 2 months.

So far, they have not handled any curves like the Ashok Pillar stretch, stretch over the river etc where the line deviates from median. Eager to see those works starting.

Are the pillars near Ashok pillar Hot chips junction ready ???
And i dont understand how the line is going to deviate from there , if it is turn near hot chips jn.(Right) ..then will not that hot chips shopping complex , police quarters n all get affected ??

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Infrastructural-needs-near-Metro-stAtions-to-be-studied/articleshow/7578304.cms

Chennai Metro Rail Limited has initiated a study on the requirement of infrastructure around the yet-to-come rail stations for the benefit of commuters, CMRL managing director K Rajaraman said on Friday.

At a seminar on 'sustainable urban mobility', organised by the CMDA, Rajaraman said developing parking facilities and pedestrian footpaths within a 400-500 metre radius of all metro rail stations would be studied. Pointing out that "pick-up and drop-off area" for commuters was on the road of many stations, he said CMRL was considering the possibilities to have such facilities off-the-road for metro rail stations, so that traffic flow on road would not get affected. He said plans for smart card-based seamless ticketing facility (common tickets for buses and trains in Chennai) would be ready by year-end and appealed to all government agencies to ensure that it was implemented by the time the Koyambedu-St Thomas Mount section of Metrorail began in 2013.

Are the pillars near Ashok pillar Hot chips junction ready ???
And i dont understand how the line is going to deviate from there , if it is turn near hot chips jn.(Right) ..then will not that hot chips shopping complex , police quarters n all get affected ??

Here is the possible metro alignment for this location and yes some of those buildings will be affected.

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/7636/askkkmetro.jpg (http://img140.imageshack.us/i/askkkmetro.jpg/)

Folks, any idea why a frog logo is appearing with (domain unregistered) whenever snaps are attached.

^^ +1 murali .. Am not able to see the image :(

^^ Am able to see it though!! Is it bandwidth prob for you guys?

^^ No pa .. It is showing domain unregistered .. with a frog trapped inside ice cube:nuts:

^^
http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/7636/askkkmetro.jpg

not visible, everyone use imgur from now on.

weird. Does that problem occurs only to users from India?

outside India too, i can't access it. some error, 'domain unregistered'.

I can see both pictures.

They have changed some policy. You need to be logged in to imageshack or smnthng to view the photos

not visible, everyone use imgur from now on.

exactly!!! imgur is a much better image hosting site than imageshack!!!! i have been canvasing people to use imgur but in vain!!!

Here is the possible metro alignment for this location and yes some of those buildings will be affected.

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/7636/askkkmetro.jpg (http://img140.imageshack.us/i/askkkmetro.jpg/)

Here is the image that i posted before using imageshack - now using imgur
http://i.imgur.com/3AZXV.jpg

Thanks for the effort CI :) Now the image is visible

And i reckon the Hot chips building, Police Quarters and BSNL quarters a part of it will have to be brought down ..

Hey guys.. I have a question.. I noticed that soil/stress testing is going on at Thirumangalam (Towards Mogappair) junction.. There were blue barricades but with no signage.. Is this by any chance for the Metro rail work or related to the Grade separator that is planned to built in Thirumangalam junction? Any idea friends?


I think its for the proposed fly-over.

Thanks for the effort CI :) Now the image is visible

And i reckon the Hot chips building, Police Quarters and BSNL quarters a part of it will have to be brought down ..

They have started demolition and already pulled down the marriage hall opposite to Udhayam.

The government today earmarked a substantial amount to the Urban Development Ministry for spending on extension of Metro networks in Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai in the Budget 2011-12.

While the equity to Delhi Metro is Rs 452 crore, equity to Bangalore Metro is Rs 500 crore and Chennai Metro's equity is Rs 600 crore in the 2011-12 fiscal, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said.
Urban Development Ministry has got total Rs 6855.23 crore, an increase of Rs 308 crore from the last fiscal 2010-11.

The ministry has been allocated Rs 6068.76 crore as Plan allocation and Rs 786.47 crore as non-Plan allocation in the current fiscal.

The allocation for the urban infrastructure development project has witnessed a hike from Rs 47 crore in the last year to Rs 90 crore this year.

Budget allocation for the National Capital Region is being kept at Rs 53.01 crore in the fiscal 2011-12 almost the same amount it got last fiscal.


Source: Economic Times, dated 28-Feb-2011 (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/infrastructure/union-budget-2011-substantial-allocation-for-metro-projects/articleshow/7595667.cms)

Chennai Metro seems to have got the highest allocation. Election stunt?
Whatever, if it means good to the city, then fine :)

Siemens (NYSE:SI) Wins Chennai Bidding

Source (http://www.stocksandshares.tv/siemens-nysesi-wins-chennai-bidding/3204135)
Siemens (NYSE:SI) has won the contract for power supply and overhead equipments for Chennai Metro Rail Ltd. in an international bidding war.
The contract includes the designing, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of metro power supply systems.

Under the contract, Siemens (NYSE:SI) will install three sub stations to step-down the voltage from 110 kV to 25 kV. The contract also includes the setting up of three auxiliary sub stations at Chennai central, Koyambedu and Alandur.

Siemens (NYSE:SI) will also install supervisory control data acquisition system to monitor the entire power supply system.

The company will provide two years maintenance service after the completion of the project.

Siemens (NYSE:SI) shares were at 130.06 at the end of the last day’s trading. There’s been a 13.4% change in the stock price over the past 3 months.

Source: Economic Times, dated 28-Feb-2011 (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/infrastructure/union-budget-2011-substantial-allocation-for-metro-projects/articleshow/7595667.cms)

Chennai Metro seems to have got the highest allocation. Election stunt?
Whatever, if it means good to the city, then fine :)

You mean by actual allocation. Would it be still proportionate if you include the project status (when compared to Bangalore) or w.r.t city (Delhi is in Phase III).

Any case, CMRL can take it with a smile..

You mean by actual allocation. Would it be still proportionate if you include the project status (when compared to Bangalore) or w.r.t city (Delhi is in Phase III).

Any case, CMRL can take it with a smile..

Delhi phase 3 is yet to start and it is a big line. I'm not sure of which phase of bangalore metro would these funds go to.

Anyways, we can at least look at the total amount and feel happy.

We need every bit of news to feel optimistic nowadays.

Cut and Cover section near airport secondary runway.
http://i51.tinypic.com/2e2e9dy.jpg
http://i53.tinypic.com/2dgp1t5.jpg

Track layouts {This is not final alignment, juzz to give an idea as the CMRL document states}

http://i56.tinypic.com/30lgp3l.jpg

http://i53.tinypic.com/a3m6ae.jpg

Looks like there's gonnabe a depot at Meenambakkam in future.