Chennai Metro Project [Archive] - Page 20

vijayvmail

October 28th, 2011, 06:04 AM

When tunnel boring machines reach the city in December, they’ll start eating through the earth at Egmore to create the first of the Metro Rail’s underground sections. The tunnel will be part of the underground line from Central station to Tirumangalam, which is part of corridor II (Central to St Thomas Mount).
Chennai Metro Rail is making arrangements at the second entrance of Egmore railway station, near Poonamallee High Road, so that the the tunnel boring machines can be deployed. Once the machines arrive, they will be taken underground through a giant shaft that is being created there.
The corporation has started preliminary work. Huge cranes and other equipment have been moved to the land between the railway tracks and the main road. A couple of buildings that housed government quarters have been demolished to make space for the machines.
“We have started soil investigations and ground leveling work. A huge trench will be dug and diaphragm walls and shoring walls will be installed. The machines will be taken down through the trench into the shaft underground. The ground preparation work will be completed by the time the machines arrive,” said a senior Metro Rail official.
Two parallel tunnels, 14.05 metres apart, will be dug underneath Poonamallee High Road.
The depth of the tunnels will vary from 15 metres to 17 metres from the ground. The tunnel will have an outer diameter of 6.2 metres and inner diameter of 5.8 metres. It will start at a depth of nine metres from the surface.
Metro Rail is planning to use more than one boring machine to create the tunnels. The machines may bore tunnels simultaneously from both ends. The pattern of work — one machine boring the whole length of a tunnel or multiple machines boring one tunnel — will depend on the contractor.
Once launched, the machine will create stretches of a tunnel and seal them before proceeding further. The sealed area will contain high pressure air or have diaphragm walls to prevent the tunnel from caving in. The boring machines will be deployed underground from Egmore because a large tract of land is available at the second entrance of the railway station.
In Delhi, where a considerable portion of the Metro runs underground, an access shaft was created for the boring machines. The shaft was as deep as the required depth of the tunnel at the point of entry. Then, the coordinates of the tunnel were identified using sophisticated gadgets and a foundation of special pipes filled with concrete created to support the earth above as the tunnel was carved out.
The tunnel was constructed by dispersing rock or soil with controlled explosions. A final layer of thick concrete was put on the inside for the foundation and to keep the earth from caving in. Engineers said the progress was slow and they created just about 1.5 metres of the tunnel daily.

DIGGING DEEP
IN TWO MONTHS’ TIME, WORK ON THE FIRST SECTIONS OF METRO RAIL’S UNDERGROUND TUNNELS FOR THE CENTRAL-TIRUMANGALAM LINE WILL BEGIN AT EGMORE RAILWAY STATION
Metro Rail is preparing land for tunnel work at Egmore railway station. The tunnel boring machines, which will arrive in December, will be inserted here. The two-wheeler parking lot has been cordoned off to prepare the ground for the machines
A giant trench with shoring walls is being dug. It will have shafts through which the tunnel boring machines will be inserted. The shafts will guide the machine to its position. Two parallel tunnels will be built under Poonamallee High Road. The number of shafts will depend on the type of machine
The machines will tunnel underground and reach Poonamallee High road. The tunnel will be 12m beneath the surface of the road so that utility lines are not disturbed
A diaphragm wall will be constructed around the trench and shafts at a depth of 9m. This will act as a support to prevent soil from falling back into the freshy-dug trench
The tunnel boring machines will arrive at Chennai port. The machines will be transported to Egmore by road. A crane will hoist the machine and lower it into the trench

THE ANATOMY OF A TUNNELLING MACHINE

Crew operate the tunnel boring machine to cut through the earth and create the tunnel. The cutting head (1) spins its blade as hydraulic jacks (2) push it into rock and soil. This is pulled into a chamber and mixed with slurry to form a digestible ‘muck’. The muck is conveyed (3) away from the head. Precast concrete tunnel segments (4) are brought forward into a robotic ring assembler (5) which snaps the segment into place for workers to weld. Ventilation (6) is provided by a series of air pumps

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=TOICH/2011/10/28/4/Img/Pc0041400.jpg

Source: The Times of India, Chennai edition, Dated 28-Oct-2011 (available in e-paper, but not in website)

From the description, it looks like the TBMs will be the slurry type similar to the ones being used in Bangalore Metro.

But Bangalore also has stretches of hard rock while chennai has more of clayey soil. so, not sure if they are exactly the same.

chennaidesi

October 28th, 2011, 04:38 PM

What sort of expertise our people have in using these machines.?

sshivakumar

October 28th, 2011, 05:08 PM

^^ I saw this requirement a few days back..

Desired Candidate Profile
Good Exp. in Tunnel for Metro Project.Will supervise teams of all Underground works viz. Tunneling through TBM, Will handle the project management part of all Underground works

http://jobsearch.naukri.com/job-listings-RE-Tunnel-Metro-Rail-Chennai-TBM-EGIS-India-Consulting-Engineers-Pvt-Ltd--Chennai-10-to-20-years-300710000282?xz=11_0_15&f=-300710000282

rsrikanth05

October 28th, 2011, 08:39 PM

What sort of expertise our people have in using these machines.?
DMRCL and Reliance Infra has considerable experience in using TBMs. Now even BMRCL should have, seeing that they have been driling for two months.

Coolguyz

October 28th, 2011, 08:45 PM

What sort of expertise our people have in using these machines.?

there are number of TBMs in work in HP for hydroprojects, there are 4 TBMs at work right now under Mumbai for water projects.So yea there are lot of people experienced to work on TBMs

bonoslack7

October 29th, 2011, 03:27 AM

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article2578592.ece

After a long legal battle, the land on which Picnic Hotel was located is now back in the possession of Chennai Corporation. The civic body handed over the land, measuring nearly 14 grounds and located close to the Ripon Buildings, for the Metro Rail project.

On Friday, the hotel management vacated the 13 grounds and 2,218 sq.ft of land on completion of the deadline set by the Supreme Court for it to hand over the possession.

Soon after the civic body took over the site, formalities were completed for handing over the land to Chennai Metro Rail Ltd. (CMRL). The land would be used for construction of a portion of the underground Chennai Central Metro station.

Sources in the CMRL said the hotel building would be demolished and the land used for entry and exit gates and ventilators of the station.

A portion of a diaphragm wall meant for underground drilling and a temporary office would also come up at the spot.

The Chennai Central Metro station would be the starting point for Corridor-II of the project connecting to St.Thomas Mount. It would also be one of the stations in Corridor-I – Washermenpet to Airport.

The station would come up under the parking area of Chennai Central station. The location of the Metro station would help integrate it with the Chennai Central Railway Station, Moore Market Complex from where suburban EMUs are operated and the Park Station.

Corporation Commissioner D. Karthikeyan said the land had been taken over by the civic body after a long legal battle. The land, which forms a portion of the total 57 grounds on which Victoria Public Hall stands, belonged to the Revenue Department and had been entrusted to the Municipal Commissioner of Madras in 1865.

The land was then leased out to the Trustees of Town Hall from April 1886 for 99 years for construction of the Victoria Public Hall.

Though the lease expired in April 1985, the hotel had obtained a sub-lease till 2028 from the original trustees. It did not pay any rent to the Corporation but only to the trust. The hotel, which had a total built up area of 7,596 sq. mt., had five floors.

mr_madras

October 29th, 2011, 10:25 AM

rsrikanth05

October 29th, 2011, 12:33 PM

^^ Err, the final stretch is with AAI, not IR.

bonoslack7

October 29th, 2011, 12:46 PM

Govinda

rsrikanth05

October 29th, 2011, 12:51 PM

Govinda
Oh, Govinda !!!

arun82

October 29th, 2011, 02:36 PM

Good progress day by day and our METRO succesfully overcome the problems one by one like vadapalani temple car,Nandanam, pacchayappa col, Picnic hotel etc and wish there is no more any. METRO should take MRTS right away and complete the final stretch. Execution of project is very important which we cant expect from IR

I don't think IR will part with MRTS and let CMRL take over. It depends on the will of TN gov and it is not high on their agenda. So it is not doing to happen soon.

Vadapalani Junction is running behind schedule will have a impact on the deadline if not hurried. Add to it the same company which has Vadapalani Junction strecth station works has to another crutical project Chennai Airport to be completed by April 2012 So all resources for Metro has been used for Airport work.

Worrying factors are Airport stretch work not started. No plan or even talks of phase 2 metro. The actual work on undergriound metro is yet to start so don't know what will be the effect on the city.

CMRL is mum on the connectivity and operation of the metro.

darkprinz

October 30th, 2011, 05:19 AM

Station work in the land near Vepery side entrance of the Egmore station ... I guess this is where the TBM will be lowered as the land is quite huge and this semms to be the second entrance which was mentioned in newspaper..

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6058/6293122747_80df33c058_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6293122747/)
I3240 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6293122747/) by Venks_DarkPrinz (http://www.flickr.com/people/67191309@N02/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6233/6293123197_465f843219_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6293123197/)
I3241 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6293123197/) by Venks_DarkPrinz (http://www.flickr.com/people/67191309@N02/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6054/6293646484_c39a7739a3_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6293646484/)
I3242 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6293646484/) by Venks_DarkPrinz (http://www.flickr.com/people/67191309@N02/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6103/6293646850_8f30408cec_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6293646850/)
I3243 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6293646850/) by Venks_DarkPrinz (http://www.flickr.com/people/67191309@N02/), on Flickr

Same place - there was a big rectangular wall like skeleton structure present in the work area ... any idea what it is ???

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6112/6293647382_8ba1dee167_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6293647382/)
I3244 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6293647382/) by Venks_DarkPrinz (http://www.flickr.com/people/67191309@N02/), on Flickr
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6218/6293124731_dca5f2a202_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6293124731/)
I3245 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6293124731/) by Venks_DarkPrinz (http://www.flickr.com/people/67191309@N02/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6043/6293125121_b656e1e8e3_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6293125121/)
I3246 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6293125121/) by Venks_DarkPrinz (http://www.flickr.com/people/67191309@N02/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6043/6293125121_b656e1e8e3_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6293125121/)
I3246 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6293125121/) by Venks_DarkPrinz (http://www.flickr.com/people/67191309@N02/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6059/6293648806_4fedb6e18d_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6293648806/)
I3249 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6293648806/) by Venks_DarkPrinz (http://www.flickr.com/people/67191309@N02/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6050/6293649054_da6d73ca9c_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6293649054/)
I3250 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6293649054/) by Venks_DarkPrinz (http://www.flickr.com/people/67191309@N02/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6099/6293649590_f5b999246c_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6293649590/)
I3252 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6293649590/) by Venks_DarkPrinz (http://www.flickr.com/people/67191309@N02/), on Flickr

rsrikanth05

October 30th, 2011, 06:26 AM

That rectangular area is most likely where the station will come up ...

anbu121

October 30th, 2011, 08:50 AM

Same place - there was a big rectangular wall like skeleton structure present in the work area ... any idea what it is ???

I think the rectangular structure is for the diaphragm wall for the station...

ModernIndia

October 31st, 2011, 06:17 PM

Do we have the final renders for any of the stations? I hope they don't build the monsters (that will compete with the MRTS stations) as depicted in the bidding documents. There are too many stations with simple designs available in all part of the world. If we can bring in some Chennai/TN/India cultural (simplified) content in the stations it would be great.

What a fantastic opportunity to create something beautiful in Chennai? However, I am actually worried that we will create another bunch of eyesores, after seeing what Chennai has achieved with MRTS. It must be a bunch of monkeys who had designed the MRTS stations. Anyone with half a brain and quarter of an eye would not have designed them.

TheSaint1971

October 31st, 2011, 07:40 PM

Hello Everybody, new to this post, Thank you all for the photos and updates.
Very very informative. Couple of questions.
1-Any updates on the UG section on 2nd Avenue, Anna Nagar??
2-Where can I find the newly released property guideline value??

Thank you

ging11

November 1st, 2011, 05:43 AM

Where can I find the newly released property guideline value??

The newly released values are only proposed numbers and not final. Final values will go out by Dec to be effect from 1st Jan. Draft versions are supposed to be up for evaluation & comments at Sub-registrars offices, in most offices that I visited I couldn't get a copy.

I am being told that the draft version will be uploaded to tnreginet.net very soon. What you see on this site presently is the last published 2007 version.

anekho

November 1st, 2011, 05:15 PM

Found this HD video on youtube.
The current status outside Koyambedu.

e5BXNspYNlo

prabhu007

November 2nd, 2011, 10:51 AM

^^ Good.. Last night traffic was diverted to the opposite side.. But I did not find any noticeable progress of work this morning..

coolmukund

November 2nd, 2011, 06:27 PM

^^ Good.. Last night traffic was diverted to the opposite side.. But I did not find any noticeable progress of work this morning..

is it????

today i came through the correct side only...

TheSaint1971

November 2nd, 2011, 09:55 PM

Thank you, ging11

prabhu007

November 2nd, 2011, 10:00 PM

is it????

today i came through the correct side only...

Yeah.. It was a trial run I guess.. Even I wasn't diverted today..

prabhu007

November 2nd, 2011, 10:03 PM

SIDCO Station viaduct is taking shape. Once station beams are in place platforms would be built..

http://i.imgur.com/ZIMJ5.jpg

sshivakumar

November 3rd, 2011, 03:18 AM

dineshderick

November 3rd, 2011, 03:59 PM

:)^^Great Soon Guindy will become world class.:banana:

Gansan

November 3rd, 2011, 04:14 PM

The viaduct in the OTA - Guindy stretch is 8 spans long now.

lexraja

November 3rd, 2011, 06:07 PM

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/4596/03112011005002.jpg

Summary ::

* St. Thomas Mount to become a key junction
* Tambaram - Beach suburban rail, MRTS and Metro to run through this station
* 1st floor - Tambaram - Beach suburban
* 2nd floor - MRTS (at 12 meters height)
* 3rd floor - Metro (at 23 meters height)
* Station to be built at a cost of 78 crores

Good one.

STM is bound to be a biggie after the Mega underground terminal at Central . This will definitely boost the ridership of Suburban and MRTS .

It will finally become possible to move from Anna Nagar to Chengulpet or Mylapore to Tambaram with just one train hop .
:cheers:

murlee

November 4th, 2011, 05:27 AM

At Guindy

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6048/6293978718_163ed654bb_b.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/photos/69210836@N02/

coolmukund

November 4th, 2011, 05:37 AM

At Guindy

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6048/6293978718_163ed654bb_b.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/photos/69210836@N02/

wow... thats an amazing photo

dineshderick

November 4th, 2011, 04:03 PM

^^Good Snap...

krishnaswamy

November 4th, 2011, 06:27 PM

At Guindy^^ excellent

vijayvmail

November 5th, 2011, 05:57 AM

From what I can see over the last few days, construction has almost come to a stop between Kathipara and Vadapalani.

The construction of the spans are going on in front of Kasi theatre. Four spans are done and the fifth is in progress. But apart from this, most other works have stopped. I guess, this is due to the rains.

The adayar river is full and has also washed away the temporary mud fillings around one of the pillars on the river near kasi theatre. So, all works on the River pillars have stopped.

Similarly I dont see any work on the pillars before udayam theatre and also near hot chips.

Hope the pace picks up again after the rains.

Arul Murugan

November 5th, 2011, 07:26 AM

^^

but reverse situation in Saidapet-Guindy section.

Work is full swing now on this stretch compared to 25days before. Re-inforcement rod for the pillars infront of temple city building is coming up fast.. and also work is in full swing on Adayar bridge.:)

Also saw work is progressing day and night in this stretch including Alandur metro station works.

wlbkng

November 5th, 2011, 11:01 AM

http://img.dinamalar.com/data/albums/large/511114eb43a81bac94.jpg
Hotel Picnic being demolished to pave way for Metro construction.
cc: dinamalar website (http://www.dinamalar.com/more_picture_html.asp?cat=89)

Vicvin86

November 5th, 2011, 01:48 PM

http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/2318/img5057b.jpg
By vintn (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/vintn) at 2011-11-05

ceeznic pirate

November 5th, 2011, 02:40 PM

OTA station

http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/9479/dsc00605m.jpg

Work on Guindy and Alandur stations are going in full swing

darkprinz

November 5th, 2011, 03:21 PM

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6218/6293127995_6d1660fb92_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6293127995/)
I3258 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6293127995/) by Venks_DarkPrinz (http://www.flickr.com/people/67191309@N02/), on Flickr
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6048/6293127357_f35ae97b19_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6293127357/)
I3256 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6293127357/) by Venks_DarkPrinz (http://www.flickr.com/people/67191309@N02/), on Flickr
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6051/6293650162_e61181d3ed_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6293650162/)
I3255 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6293650162/) by Venks_DarkPrinz (http://www.flickr.com/people/67191309@N02/), on Flickr
Work under progress inside these barricades :cheers:
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6211/6314492599_6f69219b61_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6314492599/)
9 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6314492599/) by Venks_DarkPrinz (http://www.flickr.com/people/67191309@N02/), on Flickr
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6097/6293649976_da0dc553e1_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6293649976/)
I3254 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6293649976/) by Venks_DarkPrinz (http://www.flickr.com/people/67191309@N02/), on Flickr
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6058/6293126763_9c346dedba_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6293126763/)
I3253 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6293126763/) by Venks_DarkPrinz (http://www.flickr.com/people/67191309@N02/), on Flickr

darkprinz

November 5th, 2011, 03:37 PM

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6092/6314464939_b723cea056_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6314464939/)
2 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6314464939/) by Venks_DarkPrinz (http://www.flickr.com/people/67191309@N02/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6060/6314466565_be1f501dc0_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6314466565/)
5 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6314466565/) by Venks_DarkPrinz (http://www.flickr.com/people/67191309@N02/), on Flickr

Top parabolic portion of 4 pillars are already getting ready .. Nice progress.. and most of the pillars are ready in srm side

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6221/6314465723_f682c1ebdf_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6314465723/)
3 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6314465723/) by Venks_DarkPrinz (http://www.flickr.com/people/67191309@N02/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6033/6314466195_8f7679366b_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6314466195/)
4 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6314466195/) by Venks_DarkPrinz (http://www.flickr.com/people/67191309@N02/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6038/6314984582_d70636ab6c_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6314984582/)
6 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6314984582/) by Venks_DarkPrinz (http://www.flickr.com/people/67191309@N02/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6038/6314467271_dc2970196a_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6314467271/)
7 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6314467271/) by Venks_DarkPrinz (http://www.flickr.com/people/67191309@N02/), on Flickr

Two portal work in progress near CMBT ..
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6239/6314467759_2ef4b5e5ea_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6314467759/)
8 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6314467759/) by Venks_DarkPrinz (http://www.flickr.com/people/67191309@N02/), on Flickr

darkprinz

November 5th, 2011, 03:38 PM

@ CP : nice photo ... :)

@ Vinoth : Epdi boss ivlo azhaga edukareenga :lol: great :cheers:

dineshderick

November 5th, 2011, 05:21 PM

^^^^GREAT

Vicvin86

November 5th, 2011, 07:17 PM

Nice updates CP and DP!

@ Vinoth : Epdi boss ivlo azhaga edukareenga :lol: great :cheers:
Bhodidharma kathu kodutharu :lol:

sshivakumar

November 5th, 2011, 09:20 PM

^^ DP.. thanks for the updates. Adatha mazhaiyilayum vidama photo eduthurukeenga..

kannan infratech

November 5th, 2011, 10:05 PM

Nice updates CP and DP!

Bhodidharma kathu kodutharu :lol:

Velayudham nu chonna DP santhoshapaduvaru

IndiansUnite

November 6th, 2011, 01:50 AM

http://i.imgur.com/Fdqpl.jpg

Where did you get this from? It does look almost like the designs that we've been seeing in the CMRL newsletters and sites.

The render is on Alstom's India fact sheet:

http://www.alstom.com/transport/resources/factsheet-india/

enlarged:
http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/3915/alstomchennaimetro1.jpg

The actual stock might have a different color scheme but the design should be the one shown above.

darkprinz

November 6th, 2011, 03:46 AM

Nice updates CP and DP!

Bhodidharma kathu kodutharu :lol:

Velayudham nu chonna DP santhoshapaduvaru

Nooooo ... :nuts: Inime unge kitta carepul ah irukkanum bodhidharamar kungfu um kathu koduthirupar :lol:

^^ DP.. thanks for the updates. Adatha mazhaiyilayum vidama photo eduthurukeenga..

thanks ... but naan meeting ku vandhavangaloda route solren nu car le munnadi okarthndhu photo eduthtu irundhen :lol: naan enavo mazhai le eranguna madhri solreenga

The render is on Alstom's India fact sheet:

http://www.alstom.com/transport/resources/factsheet-india/

enlarged:
http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/3915/alstomchennaimetro1.jpg

The actual stock might have a different color scheme but the design should be the one shown above.

Nice find... :cheers: Looks good to me ... Only thing they could add some more designs on the side..

Indian Sun

November 6th, 2011, 06:55 AM

^^ +1. The Livery on the side is too conventional, too much like DM and BNM. We need something more modern and informal. Although it may escalate costs.

Also, the logo. Very old-school.

vinblr

November 6th, 2011, 07:25 AM

^^CM's trains may look like this (Similar to renders)

http://www.alstom.com/assets/0/4294967308/180/2147484773/2147484774/8762a80f-2a42-47a4-a10c-bb9a0c22d590.jpg

Source: Alstom website (http://www.prima2.transport.alstom.com/ENG/)

darkprinz

November 6th, 2011, 07:28 AM

^^ I don't think its a metro coach ! :)

Indian Sun

November 6th, 2011, 07:36 AM

^^ he's just giving an analogy.

wlbkng

November 6th, 2011, 09:47 AM

^^ he's just giving an analogy.

Thats no where near the renders.. As long as we dont get pink or purple its fine.

mr_madras

November 6th, 2011, 10:04 AM

Design is much better but only colors to be matched accordingly

vinblr

November 6th, 2011, 10:28 AM

Yes, it isn't a pic of CM train... But front design looks similar to renders given by CMRL....

Thats no where near the renders.. As long as we dont get pink or purple its fine.

coolmukund

November 6th, 2011, 10:55 AM

The render is on Alstom's India fact sheet:

http://www.alstom.com/transport/resources/factsheet-india/

enlarged:
http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/3915/alstomchennaimetro1.jpg

The actual stock might have a different color scheme but the design should be the one shown above.

it would look much better if the livery on the side also has the red and black combination instead of the blue.

Something like the line is black in color and the logo red or vice versa would look awesome

sujithinfra

November 6th, 2011, 12:20 PM

But the logo Sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! jeez~!! cant they design something nice or lack of interest!!!!!in these things!

mdhar.v12

November 6th, 2011, 12:41 PM

Just want to know weather Coimbatore is building any tram network......as i can see that alstom is supplying control cabinets for Citadis Dualis tram-train.

http://www.alstom.com/transport/reso...ctsheet-india/

vijayvmail

November 6th, 2011, 01:19 PM

I think, even the Alstom newsletter designs are there only as a placeholder. Until, the designs are seen and approved by CMRL, nothing is final.

Let's just hope, there is someone with a slight aesthetic eye there.

I'm also keeping my fingers crossed, to actually get a metro. Going by how things are progressing, I wouldn't be surprised, if the elevated spans are converted to exclusive BRTS lanes.

Vicvin86

November 6th, 2011, 01:22 PM

Indian Sun

November 6th, 2011, 07:44 PM

Can we push CM for a logo design competition ? In fact, I would love to design one for them, for free.

ModernIndia

November 7th, 2011, 02:28 AM

I agree that the logo is unimaginative and amateurish. I also do not like the front of the metro train. It looks like a toy in the render. Hopefully it looks better in real life. I personally don't like the curvy front side. It should be more slanted. The lights should be redesigned and be made more streamlined and integerated with the front panel. I also prefer a door that closes flush with the body (pop out and slide open) like a mini van. These simple changes will make it more aesthetically pleasing. I am planning to send these comments to both CMRL and Alstom. Let us see if they care to respond.

Even our own Delhi Express looks awesome, except for the front wind shield (don't like the split window design).

Here are some examples of great metro designs, that we can get inspired from.

http://www.metro-magazine.com/images/news/BombardierFLEXITY-Karlsruhe-Germany-HRFull.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4b/Alstom_Citadis-Madrid.JPG/800px-Alstom_Citadis-Madrid.JPG

http://www.travelvivi.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/dubai-metro-1.jpg

Here is a photo that is too big to post inline.
http://allsystemsgo.capmetro.org/images/rail_photo1.jpg

ModernIndia

November 7th, 2011, 03:05 AM

They should also place a ban on posting the chief minister's photo in front of buses and train. The last thing we want to see is being personalized with photos. It is public property and it should be left clean and simple. Previously it was the disgusting face of MuKa. Now it is JJ's face all over the public buses. I doubt if the actual politician/chief minister who asks for this. It is the over zealous "thondar padai" who is doing it. Or it could be the organization's top guy who is trying to score some brownie points with these cheap moves.

Arasu

November 7th, 2011, 03:44 AM

^^

It doesn't take much effort for the leader (thalaivar or thalaivi) to communicate to the 'thondar padai' that the leader doesn't like the gesture.

strike2

November 7th, 2011, 06:45 AM

Here are some examples of great metro designs, that we can get inspired from.

http://www.metro-magazine.com/images/news/BombardierFLEXITY-Karlsruhe-Germany-HRFull.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4b/Alstom_Citadis-Madrid.JPG/800px-Alstom_Citadis-Madrid.JPG

]

These two are LRTs or trams...definitely not high capacity metros

ModernIndia

November 7th, 2011, 07:31 AM

^^^
strike2,
Agreed. But we can get inspired from them on so many things. The simple, no nonsense streamlined design without any protrusions, the color schemes, the door design etc. Most of it will not have any impact on the cost of the unit. Just some time and effort on designing well upfront. The red and blue one is manufactured by the same supplier Alstom. CMRL should insist on that quality of design for Chennai Metro as well.

Illusionist

November 7th, 2011, 10:28 AM

Rolling stock looks sexy..

kannan infratech

November 7th, 2011, 02:09 PM

Can we push CM for a logo design competition ? In fact, I would love to design one for them, for free.

Ehuvume Freeya Kodutha Mathippu Ille.

Charge a bomb and give 99% to Babus & Netas. Then it is possible. :lol:

kannan infratech

November 7th, 2011, 02:11 PM

Indian Sun

November 7th, 2011, 08:40 PM

Ehuvume Freeya Kodutha Mathippu Ille.

Charge a bomb and give 99% to Babus & Netas. Then it is possible. :lol:

Ah.

I will silently incorporate two leaves and a sun discreetly in the design. Point out the two leaves to J, and the sun to K.

shyam_prasad99

November 8th, 2011, 03:21 AM

2008 delivered Alstom rolling stock to Santo Domingo Metro.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7CbmWuOgo8&feature=player_detailpage

ging11

November 8th, 2011, 07:17 AM

Good to see lot of design ideas.. esp ModernIndia's :)

However the rolling stock order was placed sometime ago. Also, atleast 2 or 3 visits to supplier plants have happened since first quarter this year. Even if CMRL guys chance through any of this thread, this discussion is still at best academic :(

Vicvin86

November 8th, 2011, 08:35 AM

Mad 4 Madras

November 8th, 2011, 10:04 AM

These design suggestions are repeating now for every 10pages. If we get what we see in the render sans any changes, that itself is a victory and will look sexy when compared to other metros in India, for sure.

prabhu007

November 8th, 2011, 01:14 PM

There are tons of beautiful things here and same date to thousand years. Metro just needs to connect the city efficiently. I dont have any problem even if CM chooses worst looking rakes with Ramarajan colors.

I can't agree more... All we need is an efficient and comfortable metro... I wouldn't mind even if CMRL plans to lease the side portions for advertising, and if that helps in their balance sheet.. Saravana Stores would find a few more Stainless steel walls to display Shreya's piles-patient-postion-snaps.. :nuts:

kannan infratech

November 8th, 2011, 01:41 PM

Ah.

I will silently incorporate two leaves and a sun discreetly in the design. Point out the two leaves to J, and the sun to K.

Smart Alec !!!

kannan infratech

November 8th, 2011, 01:45 PM

With respect to exterior design,

Most of the cars / SUVs nowadays use designer stickers on a plain exterior surface to have stunning effects.

Even the sun control films on Volvo & TTDC buses have beautiful design / pics.

So the exterior look can be enhanced easily, even if the design is finalised already.

Indian Sun

November 8th, 2011, 04:14 PM

ModernIndia

November 8th, 2011, 11:14 PM

There are tons of beautiful things here and same date to thousand years. Metro just needs to connect the city efficiently. I dont have any problem even if CM chooses worst looking rakes with Ramarajan colors.

I don't agree with this at all. We cannot just focus on "function" and ignore the "form" altogether. Both should be considered and given importance especially if it doesn't cost too much more (which is quite often the case, if it is given importance at the time of design).

We have too may things in Chennai where the city planners, architects have focussed just on function (post independent government buildings, bridges, homegrown rolling stocks, train stations, signages, concrete temples painted in garish colors, and countless others. Don't forget the MRTS stations. Yes sir. it is functional!!!) and cared nothing about the form factor. I know that this attitude permeates from top to bottom in Chennai government and Beauracracy. I hope it changes.

Several parts of Chennai is ugly because of that. Why shouldn't we aspire for something beautiful? Why shouldn't we want to keep our city Clean, beautiful, efficient, modern and aesthetically pleasing. Why shouldn't we take the next step and include aesthetics in our design? We are all bowled over by what we see abroad. Why? Because, their citizens and planners cared to make their city and facilities beautiful on top of being functional. I want the same for my city, Chennai, as well.

Vicvin86

November 9th, 2011, 03:26 AM

I don't agree with this at all. We cannot just focus on "function" and ignore the "form" altogether. Both should be considered and given importance especially if it doesn't cost too much more (which is quite often the case, if it is given importance at the time of design).

We have too may things in Chennai where the city planners, architects have focussed just on function (post independent government buildings, bridges, homegrown rolling stocks, train stations, signages, concrete temples painted in garish colors, and countless others. Don't forget the MRTS stations. Yes sir. it is functional!!!) and cared nothing about the form factor. I know that this attitude permeates from top to bottom in Chennai government and Beauracracy. I hope it changes.

Several parts of Chennai is ugly because of that. Why shouldn't we aspire for something beautiful? Why shouldn't we want to keep our city Clean, beautiful, efficient, modern and aesthetically pleasing. Why shouldn't we take the next step and include aesthetics in our design? We are all bowled over by what we see abroad. Why? Because, their citizens and planners cared to make their city and facilities beautiful on top of being functional. I want the same for my city, Chennai, as well.

Finally! Some posts that says planners focused on function!

Keeping it clean has something to do with the citizens too.

Effiel tower was panned like anything when it was built but now 50 million pay visit every year. Lot hated new TNLA but started loving it when it was shut. There are tons of such example regarding beauty and aesthetics. They all show its a temporary thing.

ModernIndia

November 9th, 2011, 03:59 AM

^^^
I don't understand what you are trying to say as it is not very coherent.

To boil it down, you just want to focus on the usage. For more and more Indians and Chennai-iteslike me, it is not enough. We want facilities and infrastructure that are both functional and aesthetucally appealing. I personally believe it is nothing to do with cost. When we are spending billions of dollars in creating new infrastructure in Chennai, we should look at all aspects of the design and create something marvellous. It is only a question of using the gray matter during design.

No offence and nothing personal. I sincerely hope there are not a lot of people with your attitude, in the design team/CMRL. Because that will be such a waste of our funds.

darkprinz

November 9th, 2011, 04:26 AM

From BSNL office jn. towards Udhayam theatre jn. - Pillar construction is completed in this stretch , except the small portion of road which is used by bus
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6212/6327975406_3ca94dee95_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6327975406/)
I3271 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6327975406/) by Venks_DarkPrinz (http://www.flickr.com/people/67191309@N02/), on Flickr

View from BSNL KKNagar office jn. towards kasi theatre

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6044/6326538102_af4cb479f2_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6326538102/)
I3272 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6326538102/) by Venks_DarkPrinz (http://www.flickr.com/people/67191309@N02/), on Flickr
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6221/6325786625_2cc0f1829e_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6325786625/)
I3274 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6325786625/) by Venks_DarkPrinz (http://www.flickr.com/people/67191309@N02/), on Flickr
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6218/6326538950_2328850f3e_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6326538950/)
I3275 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6326538950/) by Venks_DarkPrinz (http://www.flickr.com/people/67191309@N02/), on Flickr
View: Towards Kasi theatre
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6120/6326539180_b7d017d260_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6326539180/)
I3276 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6326539180/) by Venks_DarkPrinz (http://www.flickr.com/people/67191309@N02/), on Flickr
View towards BSNL office
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6059/6326539402_a9cbf96fef_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6326539402/)
I3277 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67191309@N02/6326539402/) by Venks_DarkPrinz (http://www.flickr.com/people/67191309@N02/), on Flickr

TPMiranda

November 9th, 2011, 03:04 PM

மெட்ரோ ரயில் திட்டத்தில், சென்னை வண்ணாரப்பேட்டை - விமான நிலையம் இடையே, 23 கி.மீ., தூரம், மெட்ரோ ரயில் பாதை அமைக்கும் பணி நடக்கிறது. இப்பாதை, சைதாப்பேட்டை வரை, சுரங்கப் பாதையிலும், அங்கிருந்து விமான நிலையம் வரை, மேம்பாலத்திலும் அமைக்கப்படுகிறது. இத்திட்டப் பணியில், "ராணுவ அலுவலர் பயிற்சி மையம் (ஓ.டி.ஏ.,) - மீனம்பாக்கம் இடையே, மேம்பாலம் அமைக்கப்பட்டால், மீனம்பாக்கம் விமான நிலையத்தில் விமானங்கள் இறங்க குறுக்கீடாக அமையும்,' என, இந்திய விமான நிலைய ஆணையம் எதிர்ப்பு தெரிவித்தது. இதனால், இப்பகுதியில் பணி நிறுத்தப்பட்டு, சைதாப்பேட்டை - சின்னமலை - ஓ.டி.ஏ., இடையே மட்டுமே, பில்லர்கள் அமைக்கும் பணி நடக்கிறது. ஓ.டி.ஏ., முன்பாக பில்லர்களின் மீது பாலம் அமைக்கும் பணி, தற்போது நடந்து வருகிறது.

இருகட்ட பேச்சுவார்த்தை ஓ.டி.ஏ.,விலிருந்து விமான நிலையம் வரை, 4.35 கி.மீ., தூரம் மெட்ரோ ரயில் பாதை அமைப்பது குறித்து, இந்திய விமான ஆணையம் மற்றும் சென்னை மெட்ரோ ரயில் நிறுவன அதிகாரிகளிடையே, இரண்டு கட்டங்களாக ஆலோசனை கூட்டம் நடந்தது. இதில், முதல் கூட்டத்தில், "ஓ.டி.ஏ.,விலிருந்து விமான நிலையம் வரை, இப்பாதையின் மொத்த தூரமும் சுரங்கப்பாதையில் அமைக்க வேண்டும்,' என, இந்திய விமான நிலைய ஆணையம் மூலம் வலியுறுத்தப்பட்டது. இதற்கான திட்டச் செலவு அதிகமாகும் என்பதால், மெட்ரோ ரயில் நிறுவனம் உடனடியாக முடிவு எடுக்க முடியாத நிலை ஏற்பட்டது.

பிறகு நடந்த இரண்டாவது கட்ட பேச்சுவார்த்தையில், ஓ.டி.ஏ., நிலையத்திலிருந்து குறிப்பிட்ட தூரம் சரிவாகவும், விமானம் இறங்கும் பகுதியில் சுரங்கப்பாதையிலும், அதன் பிறகு திரிசூலம் விமான நிலையம் வரை மேம்பாலத்திலும், திரிசூலம் விமான நிலையத்தில் மேம்பாலம் மீது ரயில் நிலையம் அமைத்துக் கொள்ளவும், இந்திய விமான ஆணையம் ஒப்புதல் அளித்துள்ளது. மேலும், திரிசூலம் விமான நிலையத்தில், மெட்ரோ ரயில் நிலையத்தை விமான நிலைய ஆணையமே வடிவமைத்து செயல்படுத்துவது என்றும், இதற்கான தொழில்நுட்ப உதவிகள், பணியாளர்கள் மற்றும் திட்டத்திற்கான மொத்தச் செலவையும், மெட்ரோ ரயில் நிறுவனம் செய்ய வேண்டும் என்றும், முடிவு செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளது.

திரிசூலம் நிலையத்திற்கு ரூ.60 கோடி...
இதையொட்டி, ஓ.டி.ஏ., நிலையத்திலிருந்து, தேவையான தூரம் சரிவாகவும், விமானம் இறங்கும் பகுதியில், ஆலந்தூர் கோர்ட் அருகிலிருந்து, ராடிசன் ஓட்டல் வரை, 500 மீ., தூரம் சுரங்கப்பாதையிலும், அதன் பிறகு திரிசூலம் விமான நிலையம் வரை, மேம்பாலத்திலும் அமைக்க முடிவு செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளது. திரிசூலம் விமான நிலையம் முன்பாக, தற்போது வாகன நிறுத்தம் உள்ள இடத்தில், 140 மீ., நீளம், 110 மீ., அகலம், 17 மீ., உயரத்தில், மெட்ரோ ரயில் நிலையம் அமைக்க திட்டமிடப்பட்டுள்ளது.

மீனம்பாக்கம் மற்றும் திரிசூலத்தில் மெட்ரோ ரயில் நிலையங்கள் அமைக்கவும், ஓ.டி.ஏ., - மீனம்பாக்கம் இடையேயான பாதை அமைக்க, தனியார் நிறுவனத்துடன், 178.94 கோடி ரூபாய்க்கு ஒப்பந்தம் செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளது. இத்திட்டத்தில், திரிசூலம் விமான நிலையத்தில் மெட்ரோ ரயில் நிலையம், 60 கோடி ரூபாய் செலவில் அமையவுள்ளது. இதற்கான பணி, இம்மாத இறுதியில் அல்லது டிசம்பர் முதல் வாரத்தில் துவங்க திட்டமிடப்பட்டுள்ளது.

9 மீ., ஆழமில்லாத சுரங்கப்பாதை
இதுகுறித்து மெட்ரோ ரயில் அதிகாரி ஒருவர் கூறியதாவது: சென்னை மெட்ரோ ரயில் திட்டத்தில், மற்ற இடங்களில் சுரங்கப்பாதை, தரைமட்டத்திலிருந்து, 9 மீ., ஆழத்தில் அமையவுள்ளது. ஆனால், ஓ.டி.ஏ., அருகே, மீனம்பாக்கம் விமான நிலையத்தில், விமானங்கள் இறங்கும் பகுதியின் கிழக்கு பக்கம், ஜி.எஸ்.டி., சாலையையொட்டி, 500 மீ., தூரம், சாலை மட்டத்திற்கு சற்று கீழே, விமான ஓடுதள எல்லைச் சுவரருகிலேயே இச்சுரங்கப்பாதை அமையவுள்ளது. மெட்ரோ ரயிலில் வரும் பயணிகள், விமான நிலையத்தின் முதல் தளத்திற்கு செல்லும் வகையில், மெட்ரோ ரயில் நிலையத்திலிருந்து இணைப்பு பாலம் அமைக்கப்பட உள்ளது. மேலும், இந்நிலையத்திலிருந்து, தாம்பரம் பகுதிக்கு புறநகர் மின்சார ரயிலில் செல்வதற்கு ஏதுவாக, திரிசூலம் புறநகர் மின்சார ரயில் நிலையத்தின் சுரங்கப்பாதையுடன், இணைப்பு வழியும் ஏற்படுத்தப்படும். இதற்கு தெற்கு ரயில்வேயும் ஒப்புதல் அளித்துள்ளது.

coolmukund

November 9th, 2011, 07:07 PM

Vicvin86

November 10th, 2011, 01:25 AM

Translation please
AAI will design and build airport metro station and works will start this December. Station will cost 60 cr. The station will be connected to airport and Trisulam rlwy station.

Rest is about the history behind 500m tunnel part and the cost tech specs of the path.

Vicvin86

November 10th, 2011, 01:26 AM

Lot of activity near OTP today. Saw a part of gantry crane on a trailer.

coolmukund

November 10th, 2011, 03:59 AM

AAI will design and build airport metro station and works will start this December. Station will cost 60 cr. The station will be connected to airport and Trisulam rlwy station.

Rest is about the history behind 500m tunnel part and the cost tech specs of the path.
Thanks :)

vijayvmail

November 10th, 2011, 05:39 AM

சென்னை : பூந்தமல்லி நெடுஞ்சாலையில் உள்ள நேரு பூங்காவில் மெட்ரோ ரயில் சுரங்கப்பாதை அமைக்கப்படுவதற்காக ஆயத்த பணிகள் துரிதமாக நடந்து வருகிறது.வண்ணாரப்பேட்டையிலிருந்து சைதாப்பேட்டை வரையும், சென்ட்ரலிலிருந்து திருமங்கலம் வரையும் 24 கி.மீ., தூரம் மெட்ரோ ரயில்பாதை சுரங்கத்தில் அமைக்கப்பட உள்ளது.இப்பாதையில், சின்னமலை-விமான நிலையம் இடையேயும், கோயம்பேடு-பரங்கிமலை இடை÷யும் தரைக்கு மேல் பாலத்தில் ரயில் பாதை அமைக்கும் பணிகள் துரிதமாக நடந்து வருகின்றன.இத்திட்டத்தில், சுரங்கப்பாதைப் பணிகள் வரும் ஜனவரியில் துவங்கப்பட உள்ளது. சுரங்கம் தோண்டுவதற்காக ரஷ்யா மற்றும் சீனாவிலிருந்து 10 இயந்திரங்கள் வரும் ஜனவரி மாதம் சென்னை வருகின்றன.
முதலில் வரும் 5 எந்திரங்களை கொண்டு இப்பாதையில் எழும்பூர், வண்ணாரப்பேட்டை, சைதாப்பேட்டை, பூந்தமல்லி நெடுஞ்சாலையில் உள்ள நேரு பூங்கா, ஷெனாய் நகர் திரு.வி.க.,பூங்கா ஆகிய இடங்களில் சுரங்கப்பாதை பணிகள் துவங்கப்பட உள்ளது.சுரங்கப் பாதை துவங்கும் இடத்தில் 17 மீட்டர் ஆழம் 6.2 மீட்டர் அகலம் உள்ள பள்ளம் தோண்டப்பட்டு, இதில், சுரங்கப்பாதை தோண்டும் இயந்திரம் இறக்கப்பட்டு, துளையிடும் பணி துவங்கப்படும் சுரங்கம் தோண்டும் இயந்திரத்தை பூமிக்குள் கொண்டு செல்லும் போது, பக்கவாட்டில் மண் சரிந்து சுரங்கத்திற்குள் விழுந்துவிடாதபடி காப்பதற்காக கம்பி வலைகளுடன் கூடிய வால் பேனல்கள் தயாராகி வருகின்றன. நேரு பூங்கா, எழும்பூர் மற்றும் ஷெனாய் நகர் திரு.வி.க., பூங்காவிலும் வால் பேனல்கள் அமைக்கும் பணி விரைவாக நடந்து வருகிறது.சுரங்கப்பாதை துளையிடும் இயந்திரத்தை இறக்கி வைக்கவும், உள்ளிருந்து வெளியேற்றப்படும் மண்ணை அப்புறப்படுத்தவும் அமெரிக்காவிலிருந்து இறக்குமதி செய்யப்பட்ட பெரிய கிரேன் ஒன்று எழும்பூர் ரயில் நிலையத்திற்கு வரவழைக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.வண்ணாரப்பேட்டை, சைதாப்பேட்டை நிலையங்களில் மண் ஆய்வு செய்யப்பட்டு, வால் பேனல்கள் அமைக்கும் பணிக்கான ஆயத்த பணிகள் நடந்து வருகின்றன. சுரங்கத்தில் துளையிடும் இயந்திரத்தை இறங்கி வைக்கவும், வெளியேற்றப்படும் மண்ணை சுரங்க வாயில் பகுதியிலிருந்து அப்புறப்படுத்தவும் மற்ற நான்கு இடங்களுக்கும் பெரிய கிரேன்கள் கொண்டுவர ஏற்பாடு செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளது

Source: Dinamalar, chennai edition, dated 10-Nov-2011 (http://www.dinamalar.com/district_detail.asp?id=346303)

Translation:

Work is progressing fast in the Nehru Park area of PH road for the underground sections of the Metro
Underground boring will start in January.
For this purpose, CMRL has procured 10 machines from China and Russia
The first five of these will be deployed in Egmore, washermanpet, Saidapet, Nehru Park and shenoy Nagar Thiru. V. Ka park.
At places where the TBMs will be lowered, a huge pit 17 metres deep and 6.2 metres wide will be dug.
In these places, wall panels with nets are being built to prevent soil from caving in. This work is going on fast in Egmore, thiru.V.Ka park and Nehru Park
In order to quickly remove the soil that comes out of the tunnel being bored, huge cranes have been imported from America. The first one has arrived in egmore station. Cranes will arrive at the other four places very soon.

The article generally says 'machines'. I assume they are talking about TBMs only. In that case, 10 TBMs is a decent sizeable figure. most of us were talking only about 6-8 machines

Arul Murugan

November 10th, 2011, 06:18 AM

^^

For 24KM UG, 10TBM is really good.

On an average 8m can be drilled by single TBM as per Delhi metro construction case study.

With 10TBM is action, 80m of length can be drilled for one day. So 300days should be sufficient with 10TBM? even if we consider delays we can make it as 365 i.e exactly one year.

So under ground schedule will be like this?

2012 Jan - TBM arrival (from today good 140days are there for April.. already near Saidapet works are in full swing for 6.2m wide *17m ht pit to lower TBM)
2012 April - excavation starts
2013 April - excavation ends (365days to excavate 24KM)
2012end to 2014Dec - for stations, track laying, signals etc., (good 730days are there)

So if everything goes smooth by 2014 UG section should be ready. Not long! just 1146days to go.:)

But St.Thomas mt-IRR-Central schedule is 2013.

On elevated part can we expect schedule to be like this?

by 2012 end - all via ducts to be completed (except Airport part, it is dealt by AAI so we can forget... for us till Alandur it should be ready :))

2012-2013mid - stations completion, signal, tracks
2013-Aug/Sep - trial run
2013 end - 12.3KM St.Thomas mt to Koyamedu stretch will be opened.

vijayvmail

November 10th, 2011, 06:35 AM

arun82

November 10th, 2011, 08:35 AM

^^ On the elevated viaduct, that you mentioned, the straight sections have progressed very well. . The major works now are the deviations - CMBT to IRR median, Vadapalani flyover, Ashok Pillar, Adayar river and Kathipara. So, hopefully these will be quickly done by 2012 end.

But we need to see some acceleration in the station constructions. If that is done, then 2013 end will be quite feasible.

on the stations CCCL has already started the pillar work in OTA, Guindy, SIDCO and Alandur stations. Since L&T and SOMA has to complete the pillar portion they are not able to take up full fledge construction. They are already prefabricating some slabs in Katipara. So once L&T completes the pilalr they will start the work. As per my estimates it should not take more than 9 months to complete each station and the station work if commenced in Jan 2012 can be completed by sep-oct 2012. Only concern will be St thomas mount station

Mad 4 Madras

November 10th, 2011, 08:49 AM

murlee

November 10th, 2011, 11:28 AM

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6097/6328060049_a9c9d97dab_b.jpg

CC: Kaarthik Photography (http://www.flickr.com/photos/56435380@N03/)

Murali Bala

November 10th, 2011, 12:55 PM

http://s4.postimage.org/cot1lokxl/2011_10_22_13_00_02_1.jpg

When we compare Mumbai Metro the size/span of the viaduct seems less widder. Does the Mumbai Metro have wider coaches.

nandan_ks

November 10th, 2011, 01:19 PM

^^ It would be more or less the same. Mumbai Metro viaducts "LOOKS" broader because it's flat ------ and not of this shape ---____---

bonoslack7

November 10th, 2011, 01:23 PM

krishnaswamy

November 10th, 2011, 01:34 PM

^^
2012-2013mid - stations completion, signal, tracks
2013-Aug/Sep - trial run
2013 end - 12.3KM St.Thomas mt to Koyamedu stretch will be opened.
MTC also should plan ahead to have a mini terminus near st.thomas mount, kathirapara..
so people from various parts of chennai can reah CMBT using metro...
will there be a demand for this CMBT-St.thomas mount stretch?
demand will be there if MRTS completed between st.thomas mount & Velachery.

mr_madras

November 10th, 2011, 03:04 PM

will there be a demand for this CMBT-St.thomas mount stretch?
demand will be there if MRTS completed between st.thomas mount & Velachery.
^^more demand will be there if MRTS joined in mount.
D70,M70,570 routes combinely has busses around 3min freq between CMBT & Velachery. Thirumangalam to kathipara also has high density passengers and thirumangalam,vadapalani will be transit hub.

Abhishek901

November 10th, 2011, 05:36 PM

http://s4.postimage.org/cot1lokxl/2011_10_22_13_00_02_1.jpg

When we compare Mumbai Metro the size/span of the viaduct seems less widder. Does the Mumbai Metro have wider coaches.

Width of Mumbai metro cars is just a bit more than general width of standard gauge cars. They are 3.2 m wide compared to 2.9 m of Delhi's SG trains and 3.2 m of BG trains. SG cars is western metros are quite narrow than Indian ones, probably because many of their tunnels were built almost a century back.

^^ It would be more or less the same. Mumbai Metro viaducts "LOOKS" broader because it's flat ------ and not of this shape ---____---

Precisely.

Mukkesh

November 10th, 2011, 06:38 PM

[QUOTE=Arul Murugan;85546960]^^

Very optimistic. Hopefully CMRL completes it as per schedule

lexraja

November 10th, 2011, 10:06 PM

will there be a demand for this CMBT-St.thomas mount stretch?
demand will be there if MRTS completed between st.thomas mount & Velachery.

The demand on the CMBT-STM Link will be fueled by the fact that there is a change over available at STM to move on to suburban or MRTS(when it completes) . This will serve all people coming from Tamabram and beyond and travelling towards Vadapalanii/Anna Nagar/Kilpauk and viceversa.

:cheers:

Arul Murugan

November 11th, 2011, 04:14 AM

sorry guys if this was posted before.

cp6T0Ek9bSI

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diaphragm_wall

so such walls will be coming near Adayar, Coumn UG crossing? i.e next Saidapet and Egmore?

Arul Murugan

November 11th, 2011, 04:15 AM

Looks to be recent video

e5BXNspYNlo

arun82

November 11th, 2011, 03:06 PM

At Guindy

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6048/6293978718_163ed654bb_b.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/photos/69210836@N02/

L&T people are preparing to erect the second level in the metro station. It was as equal as the height as above( this is for the first level) Now a similar height pillar coming up on top of this . The roof of the alandur station must be taller than the Kathipara bridge.

Also they are preparing to launch one more Gantry crane opp harsha toyota ( near le royal merdian hotel). It will take L&t gantry crane total to 5 . One in OTA, One near olympia towers, One near south bank of adyar river , Another near KK nagar telephone exchange.

We can see Iron rods for the pillars in most of the stations. Alandur station will be the biggest of all of them.

Pillar construction in full fledge in Chinna malai and near saidapet in Adyar river.

prabhu007

November 11th, 2011, 07:14 PM

sorry guys if this was posted before.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diaphragm_wall

so such walls will be coming near Adayar, Coumn UG crossing? i.e next Saidapet and Egmore?

Beautiful video.. not sure if it was shared before.. it was new to me.. Thanks for sharing Arul..

murlee

November 12th, 2011, 05:59 AM

Revised plan for Metro stations submitted

The Chennai Metro Rail Limited has submitted a revised plan for the Metro Rail stations that are close to the heritage buildings in George Town and on Poonamallee High Road. This is in response to the recommendations made by a subcommittee of the Heritage Conservation Committee constituted to mitigate the adverse impact the stations would have by blocking the view of the heritage buildings.

According to officials of Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA), the recommendations of the Committee pertaining to changes in stations near Dr.Ambedkar Government Law College, Ripon Buildings, Victoria Public Hall, Central Railway Station, Ramaswamy Mudaliyar Choultry and Kilpauk Medical College have been accepted by CMRL.

The new plan would focus on change in height, colour, visibility, function and safety aspects of Metro Rail structures to aesthetically merge with the adjoining heritage buildings. The alignment of Metro Rail on Poonamallee High Road or in George Town would not be changed on account of the new plan.

Further, drawings and studies of visual impact of the proposed stations on the heritage structures on Anna Salai have also been requested by the Committee for evaluation. The CMRL is yet to submit the revised plan for Metro Rail structures on Anna Salai, which include Higginbotham's and Bharat Insurance Building.

The HCC would meet on November 22 to take a decision on the proposed changes.

Some of the structures of the proposed underground Metro stations such as the vents and entrance porches were found to be visually intrusive and dangerously close to the heritage buildings.

A total of 16 heritage structures including Wesley Tamil Aalayam on Broadway, Simpson building premises, P.ORR & Sons, SBI Building on Anna Salai, Addison & Co, Higginbotham's, Bharat Insurance Building, Poompuhar, May Day Park and Pachaiyappa College were found to be near the proposed alignment.

"The service structures of the metro stations may spoil the heritage value and beauty of the buildings. Case studies from abroad were cited to show that it is possible to have such modifications on the service structures,” said Monsingh D.Devadas, Dean, School of Architecture and Planning and member of Heritage Conservation Committee. The suggestions by the HCC focussed on the kind of material used for construction of entry structures or ventilation shaft near heritage buildings. Many suggestions pertaining to redesigning of entry or landscaping have also been accepted by the CMRL.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Chennai/article2621102.ece

coolmukund

November 12th, 2011, 07:16 PM

CMRL has updated the pictures of interiors of the train in their home page and god they look ugly. The color looks good for the floor, but it seriously sucks for the seats. Wish they could have gone for the red and black combo for the interiors too. :(

http://i.imgur.com/Ji9YC.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Y5KZ1.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/UXL10.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/QhkeG.jpg

coolmukund

November 12th, 2011, 07:18 PM

A render of the depot from CMRLs October Newsletter

http://i.imgur.com/RHmD7.jpg

Here is the link to October 2011 Newsletter: October 2011 Newsletter (http://chennaimetrorail.gov.in/newsletter/CMRL%20Newsletter-Oct-2011.pdf)

Abhishek901

November 12th, 2011, 08:32 PM

Interiors are not bad IMO. They look vibrant and may look far better in real.

coolmukund

November 12th, 2011, 08:50 PM

Interiors are not bad IMO. They look vibrant and may look far better in real.

Really hope so!!! :cripes:

vivekajithfan

November 13th, 2011, 03:06 AM

^^

But St.Thomas mt-IRR-Central schedule is 2013.

On elevated part can we expect schedule to be like this?

by 2012 end - all via ducts to be completed (except Airport part, it is dealt by AAI so we can forget... for us till Alandur it should be ready :))

2012-2013mid - stations completion, signal, tracks
2013-Aug/Sep - trial run
2013 end - 12.3KM St.Thomas mt to Koyamedu stretch will be opened.
Dude u think is this possible????Cuz it took 5 years for Blore metro to complete 7 Km stretch.....IMO Chennai metro works is on par wid blore metro works...And even the pillars for the entire stretch has not been completed yet....so by Mid 2012 v expect it to be completed....Den stations,Signalling,Tracks i guess it'll take us to 2014 end

ModernIndia

November 13th, 2011, 05:44 AM

The render for the interior is not bad, but they could certainly make some improvements to it. Hope it is just a preliminary render and will be reviewed and changed. Chennai planners (in all walks of life) have a tendancy to go for gaudy "eastman" colors in everything (including painting the bridges). They have this weird affinity for blue and they have come through again.

Here is how I would make changes to this design.

1. For me, the blue seats and floors should be changed. It should be made more neutral.

2. Also, the seats should be changed from a flat bench style seat. I don't understand the idea behind it. It certainly will not save any money as it is just a fiberglass casting. I prefer a defined spot for each butt like almost all metros that I have seen.

3. I also don't see any integrated electronic display for announcements (Route info, Current station, next station etc). I think that will be a valuable addition.

4. It looks like there is an acrylic sheet at the end of the seats. If not, the seats should have an end plate. The person sitting at the ends (near the doors) will slide and fall off without that end plate. (Refer seat in Bangalore's metro below). Bangalore also has a acrylic vertical sheet at the end of the seats, just above the end plate. This will prevent the crowd standing near the door, from falling onto the people who are sitting during breaking and start up and also when the cars are overcrowded.

CMRL designers don't have to go too far. They can look at Bangalore's "Namma Metro" and just copy it.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d9/Bangaloremetro_interior.jpg/800px-Bangaloremetro_interior.jpg

I like the shape of the handle and the center post better than Bangalore's. It appears that the handle can slide on the bars. I hope it just laziness on the part of the artist and not the real design.

Having said that, the design is certainly one of the better outputs that we have seen in a government project. Hopefully, ICF learns something from this project and get out of their slumber and design something appropriate for the 20th century (forget 21st century) But that will be too much to ask as we are asking them to use their brain and work.

vijayvmail

November 13th, 2011, 05:57 AM

^^ So, even if these may not be the exact renders, looks like ppl in CMRL are tending more towards Blue. So, I think we can expect most things to be Blue based - interiors, exteriors etc.

I guess no other Metro in India till now, has a Blue base :)

Arul Murugan

November 13th, 2011, 06:20 AM

Dude u think is this possible????Cuz it took 5 years for Blore metro to complete 7 Km stretch.....IMO Chennai metro works is on par wid blore metro works...And even the pillars for the entire stretch has not been completed yet....so by Mid 2012 v expect it to be completed....Den stations,Signalling,Tracks i guess it'll take us to 2014 end

don't compare Bengaluru Metro, with Chennai metro. Both were different in terms of fund flow into the project.

Chennai Metro ground breaking started in 2009, If we check the quantity of concrete casting for 2yrs from start of construction we can know how fast is CMRL.

The only major hurdle for St.Thomas mt-Koyamedu section is Vadapalani signal 2 tier flyover. Even for that work started in Sep 2011. If they take good 1yr for comepletion with delay we can see this elevated portion will get ready by end of 2012.

Station construction started in full swing at Alandur. Depot work at Koyamedu also in full swing. The only hurdle for this stretch getting opened is the usedless southern railways MRTS line/Suburban line connection at St.Thomas mount. If that station works also starts, before end of 2013 12KM stretch can be easily opened.

Arul Murugan

November 13th, 2011, 06:22 AM

Interiors are not bad IMO. They look vibrant and may look far better in real.

Really hope so!!! :cripes:

Orange would be better :)

but when the metro is going to run full to capacity we cannot see what colour is there in interior.;)

Abhishek901

November 13th, 2011, 08:44 AM

4. It looks like there is an acrylic sheet at the end of the seats. If not, the seats should have an end plate. The person sitting at the ends (near the doors) will slide and fall off without that end plate. (Refer seat in Bangalore's metro below). Bangalore also has a acrylic vertical sheet at the end of the seats, just above the end plate. This will prevent the crowd standing near the door, from falling onto the people who are sitting during breaking and start up and also when the cars are overcrowded.

I can see a glass wall at the end of the seats and a vertical steel rail enclosing the glass, both of which will prevent people from falling down.

Mad 4 Madras

November 13th, 2011, 09:49 AM

CMRL has updated the pictures of interiors of the train in their home page and god they look ugly. The color looks good for the floor, but it seriously sucks for the seats. Wish they could have gone for the red and black combo for the interiors too. :(

http://i.imgur.com/Y5KZ1.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/UXL10.jpg

Seriously I like it.:banana:
Aesthetically simple. I don't know whats the problem?

bonoslack7

November 13th, 2011, 10:57 AM

The interiors would look better in real. It would have been better if the doors weren't placed at the extreme ends. There should be atleast some seats on the left and right of the door.

Abhishek901

November 13th, 2011, 11:12 AM

In these pictures, doors are placed in extreme end only in the driver coach, which is normal. In other coaches there might be a couple of seats beyond the last door.

sadhaklal

November 13th, 2011, 07:40 PM

damn the interiors look great. kind of like some chinese metros. i like the use of colour. different from delhi and bangalore.

Indian Sun

November 13th, 2011, 11:10 PM

I like the render too. Only the handrail could have been more curvy like NM

mr_madras

November 14th, 2011, 06:37 PM

Simple and looks good.some design in seats will look much better rather than plain blue

mr_madras

November 14th, 2011, 06:41 PM

Travelled many times in dubai metro where seats are like volvo 2X2 and also side seats 50-50 ratio. but our chennai metro needs complete side seats for handle huge crowd.

vijayvmail

November 15th, 2011, 05:42 AM

CHENNAI: Alandur residents, who had on Sunday sought four days to vacate their property that is to be acquired for the Metro Rail project, were on Monday told that demolition would begin in two days. The residents of Railway Station Road near St Thomas Mount railway station had earlier opposed Metro Rail's compensation package and moved the court seeking fair valuation of their property.

Based on an October 30 judgment of the Madras high court, a team of revenue officials led by Kancheepuram DRO Balasubramamanian had come to the spot on Sunday . The residents who said acquisition could take place only after the compensation cheques were cleared agreed to vacate in four days after negotiations . "Many of the compensation cheques are in different names. So affected residents want corrected cheques before acquisition is done," said Chennai corporation ward 161 councillor S Vembarasan.

On Monday, another team of officials returned to the spot and issued the ultimatum. "Compensation cheques having different names of the beneficiaries can be corrected. Land will be acquired in a couple of days and given to Chennai Metro Rail Limited," district revenue officer S R Sudharsan told TOI.

When contacted, a senior CMRL official said, "Any comment can be made only after getting all details from the field officers on the project."

In January, CMRL identified land required for constructing the tracks and station in Alandur, and held discussions with 29 property owners. It offered Rs 3,745 per sq ft as the market price for land. Residents initially demanded more, but settled for the amount offered. However, in June, CMRL went back on its offer and fixed the value of the properties at Rs 900 per sq. ft. The residents went to court.

The proposed two Metro Rail corridors - one from Washermen pet to the airport through Chennai Central and the other from Chennai Central to St Thomas Mount via Koyambedu - will intersect at Alandur where the station will serve as an interchange point.

Source: The Times of India, chennai edition, dated 15-Nov-2011 (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Residents-given-2-days-to-clear-out-for-Metro/articleshow/10735460.cms)

Now, what was the verdict given by the court on October 30? Are they going to be paid Rs 3745 or Rs 900 per sq Feet. I hope it was the former. Even that is too less for that area.

I do not know exactly what transpired. But at least from the article, CMRL seems to be taking a high handed appraoch. what is the difference between 2 and 4 days. Why this ultimatum? I'm not exactly liking what I read.

Plus there has been no effort to take the metro to the people. Not much people involvment like any branding, logo design competitions, awareness programs etc. These may appear trivial, but these are essential for people to feel part of the project and a bit of pride in it. Otherwise, on the very first day, we'll see pan stain, 'X Loves Y' signs scratced on the seats, attempts to break the turnstiles etc.

Murali Bala

November 15th, 2011, 06:55 AM

Vijay , We should basically appreciate anything which will make the Project complete the work fast. Nice the Govt has setteled the issue and progressing the Project. Thank God they didn't go to supreme court. All these lands were once waste land (Poromboke) but forcefully occupied by people in late 1970's and 1980's due to political influnce. So whatever they are getting they should be getting happy.

Pann stain has nothing got to do with love for the project but basic human curtisy of not spoiling a public place. Let's see this project has along way to go atleast

arun82

November 15th, 2011, 07:22 AM

Today moring there was lot of police opp trident hotel . The encroachment opp the signal (mechanic shops) was razed down by bull dozer. what so special about this drive is there were lot of Chennai metro rail sign boards near the site . It was not L&T yellow colour boards . So Lanco has commenced the work in OTA to Airport/.

arun82

November 15th, 2011, 07:26 AM

ging11

November 15th, 2011, 07:31 AM

Now, what was the verdict given by the court on October 30? Are they going to be paid Rs 3745 or Rs 900 per sq Feet. I hope it was the former. Even that is too less for that area.

It was a Court directed settlement for the earlier agreed amount of Rs 3745.

N.kumar

November 15th, 2011, 11:53 AM

Why dont they do the same for MRTS?

kannan infratech

November 15th, 2011, 01:17 PM

prabhu007

November 15th, 2011, 04:07 PM

Why dont they do the same for MRTS?

How I wish that happens sooner than later.. I cant digest the fact about st.thomas mt stn.. a swanky metro station on top of a barren pei bungalow!! :ohno:

arun82

November 15th, 2011, 04:57 PM

I already saw 2 to 3 pillars in the st thomas mount station . Construction has already started. If within 4 days if they obtain the properties and start the demolition . Within a month they can start the construction in the stretch and can be comfortably completed. MRTS ???? so we will have empty 1st floor and 2nd floor will be occupied by Metro.

singaporeIndian

November 15th, 2011, 05:29 PM

The gantry crane in SIDCO (near olympia tech park ) is being removed. So this gantry carne will be assembled opp Le royal meridian and will commence Span erection in the Saidapet route.

Gammon has removed half of the SIET bus stand and clearing all trees in the road side. Where is the teynampent station coming up. I thought it will be near Nandanam signal.

I am not sure where is the Teynampet station. But, the station near Nandanam signal is "Chamiers Road" station. This comes in front of the old Poultry farm.

Indiadreams

November 15th, 2011, 05:36 PM

Elegant color scheme. Will look nice in real.

ging11

November 16th, 2011, 04:07 AM

CMRL engaged Private Corporate Real Estate consultants for acquiring land for Chennai metro and the rate was fixed based on their discussions with land owners and market prices.

AFAIK, the reasons sighted for court intervention are

Some land owners did not agree to the price and went to court expecting higher amount.

Court goes only by the papers presented / submitted and the plaintiffs could not produce any evidence for a higher price (Generally people declare very low price to evade stamp duty)

CMRL also got pissed off by the efforts of some unscrupulous elements who wanted to delay the project and went by the court decision. Being a public body, they can not go against the court recommendation.

If the local land owners were reasonable, they could have bargained with CMRL for other concessions like TDR etc in stead of going to court. They now lost what they had gained.

CMRL engaged C B Richard Ellis, CBRE did not even do any cursory valuation for this. Dont know what was their capacity or brief here.

Residents engaged mainly with CMRL employees, I am told. After a first round of discussion close to 1 year ago over tea & marie biscuits, they were asked to give their expectations.

No news for 6 months, second round was called, owners reduced expectations and they were suggested 50% above 2007 guideline value. Close to 1350Rs.

Finally in July a notice for 900Rs was sent, with 15 days to vacate. The residents didnt have any choice other than going to court.

Despite the CMRL rehabilitation handbook, I dont think TDR was ever tabled as an option.

vijayvmail

November 16th, 2011, 05:32 AM

CHENNAI: Illegally constructed buildings at Pazhavanthangal on Grand Southern Trunk (GST) Road were demolished on Tuesday by officials of the Kancheepuram district revenue department and Chennai Metro Rail (CMRL) to acquire land for the ongoing Rs 14,000-crore metro rail project.

Revenue and metro rail officials along with police pulled down the encroachments on the land belonging to St Thomas Mount cum Pallavaram Cantonment Board. More than 70 years ago, revenue officials said, a temple was built here. A few years later, an individual occupied a portion of the land by constructing a house and rented the rest of the land to commercial establishments, including a mechanic's workshop . The total area of the encroachments is 33,248 sq. ft. "The occupant of the house requested a week's time to vacate . The temple and the house will be demolished next week. The land will be given to CMRL for the metro rail project," said a senior Kancheepuram revenue official.

On Railway Station Road near St Thomas Mount railway station, 29 persons, who received compensation for their properties being acquired by metro rail, removed furniture, wooden windows and doors before the officials moved in for demolition. Some of them even demolished buildings to sell the debris.

"Despite compensation cheques being issued in the wrong names, the beneficiaries began dismantling the buildings on their own and took whatever they could before revenue officials razed them," said Chennai Corporation ward 161 councillor S Vembarasan.

Based on a high court judgement on October 30, district revenue officials inspected the site earlier and tried to demolish the buildings for which compensation has been given, but residents sought time to vacate.

In January, CMRL identified land required for constructing the tracks and station in Alandur and held discussions with 29 property owners to acquire 3,168 sq.m of land. It offered Rs 3,745 per sq. ft as the market price. The residents initially demanded more, but settled for the amount offered. However, in June, CMRL went back on its offer, and issued land acquisition notices with a value of Rs 900 per sq. ft. The residents opposed this and went to court.

Source: The Times of India, Chennai Edition, dated 16-Nov-2011 (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Illegal-buildings-near-airport-razed-for-Metro-Rail/articleshow/10749967.cms)

ranjith-chennai

November 16th, 2011, 06:12 AM

.....The only hurdle for this stretch getting opened is the usedless southern railways MRTS line/Suburban line connection at St.Thomas mount. If that station works also starts, before end of 2013 12KM stretch can be easily opened.
Why blame SR alone for the present state of MRTS? Why not the state govt officials show same the drive, what they are showing now in LA in last few days for Metro in Alandur/Mount stretch , towards LA for MRTS which has got exactly similar issues.

bonoslack7

November 16th, 2011, 06:25 AM

http://i.imgur.com/SY3FP.jpg

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Chennai/article2632322.ece

A few houses and shops in Meenambakkam were demolished on Tuesday to make way for the Chennai Metro Rail project. The structures were located along the Metro's alignment between St. Thomas Mount and Chennai airport, opposite Trident Hotel.

While families, who had been living there for about 150 years termed the move as “arbitrary” and “unfair”, officials said they had followed all the norms.

Workers engaged by Chennai Metro Rail Limited used an earthmover to demolish the houses in addition to an office of a travel agency, an automobile service centre and a mess. The work was carried out under the supervision of revenue officials from the Alandur taluk.

The land was a government property and classified as ‘poromboke' (unassessed waste land). Notices to the occupants to leave the property were issued well in advance. The Alandur taluk office said the buildings that were demolished occupied a land measuring about 34,000 square feet.

The families whose houses were demolished said they had been living at the same spot for the last 150 years. Their ancestor, Kannaiah Naidu, was running a mess catering to the requirement of the British and also to the local population during the pre-independence days. For several years, they had been applying for a patta (land ownership document). “The previous government had announced that those living on government land even for 10 to 15 years would be given pattas. But we have been living here for more than a century and have documents to prove it, but were denied pattas,” said Rajeswari, Kannaiah's descendant.

The mess that was demolished was in the name of Amruthammal, her mother. “We knew once the route of the metro rail project was announced that our houses will go and approached CMRL authorities, who assured us that no arbitrary action would be taken against them,” said Narayanan, Rajeswari's brother. He added that CMRL also gave an assurance that their property would be taken possession of only after the residents were relocated.

“Had they issued the pattas on time, we could have at least applied for adequate compensation from CMRL or the State government,” said Ms. Rajeswari.

CMRL Managing Director K.Rajaraman denied that the action was taken arbitrarily. “All the norms were followed before demolishing the structures. Also, adequate notice was given to the occupants of the houses and shops.” He said that the building owners have been offered Rs.25,000 each as interim relief/moving allowance. Further, five tenements built by Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board in Peerkankaranai have been allotted to them.

Work on the two metro corridors is currently under way – Washermenpet to Airport and Chennai Central to St.Thomas Mount. There are 36 stations along the two corridors and 18 of them are located entirely on government properties. The remaining 18 stations are located partly on private properties. In all, 14 hectares of private lands would be acquired for the metro project.

khirubagaran

November 16th, 2011, 07:56 AM

Excellent. :banana: I hope Amma does the same in Arcot road for Mono Rail. Wish something of this kind happens for MRTS sooner rather later. If it is true that CMRL will take over MRTS then it should happen at the earliest for the benefit of all Chennaities.

Murali Bala

November 17th, 2011, 05:17 AM

I remember this building, mess & auto mobile workshop since childhood (30 years). It was kind of land mark to have a cup of tea since the whole section was barren during those time. When the city grows somethings have to go. Wish they had got some enough compensation.

vijayvmail

November 17th, 2011, 06:04 AM

Chennai:They will notblockthe view of the city’s heritage buildings. Nor will the entry points to upcoming metro rail stations near the historic Central railway station or Ripon Building be eyesores. The Chennai Metro Rail Limited has tweaked its designs so that the station buildings will blend in with Chennai’s heritage character.
“The entrances and exits from underground stations near Ripon Building or Central Station will be small structures and the designs have been changed to look like the nearby historic buildings,” said a senior official. Butthejury isstillouton whether the proposedchangeswill mean a holistic review of the designs. The metro rail plan had hit a roadblock while seeking approval from a heritage committee a few months ago.
“We need an efficient transportfacility for Chennai.Butthat doesn’t mean that we endanger thecity’sheritagein the process,” said a member of the committee, consisting of ChennaiMetropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) planners, architects and conservation experts.
The draft plan indicated that therewillbeelaboratestructures, including entry points, huge ventilation shafts, and buildings to house power back-up and fire safety equipment. As some were located close to heritage buildings, the committee recommended several changes regarding their height, dimension and location. “Mostunderground railway stations abroad do not have entrance structures if they are located near heritage buildings. They just have signs and lighting toleadcommuterstothestation,” said Sujatha Shankar, architect and member of Indian Trust for Art andCulturalHeritage.
Steps and elevators are designed in keeping with the neighbourhood’s character while ventilation shafts to maintain air circulation areconstructed atthe pavementlevel.
“If you are planning to build huge vent shafts as per the draft they submitted, the structures should not be part of the streetscape but tucked away from heritage buildings,” said Shankar, who is a member of the heritage committee.
Metro rail has made changes tothedesigns after taking into account the committee’s recommendations,saidtheofficial.It also recently submitted a conceptual drawing to a few members of the committee and will make a detailed presentation on November 22. But many things remain unchanged.
“We have not changed the location of entry and exit points. Also, it is better for underground station entrancestohaveceilings to prevent rainwater from entering the premises as our drainage system is not perfect,” saidtheofficial. The updated plans have ensured that vent shafts will not be located too close to historic buildings. “They have to remain adjacent to underground tunnels so they can suck in fresh air. It is a technical requirement,” said the official.

Source: The Times of India, Chennai Edition (Print / e-paper), dated 17-Nov-2011

darkprinz

November 17th, 2011, 06:32 PM

They were building two small lining walls along a small canal dug up ..

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6099/6351011702_1a3223d4d7_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69876940@N04/6351011702/)
I3278 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69876940@N04/6351011702/) by Venks Varadharajan (http://www.flickr.com/people/69876940@N04/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6115/6350268335_fae2e361b9_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69876940@N04/6350268335/)
I3280 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69876940@N04/6350268335/) by Venks Varadharajan (http://www.flickr.com/people/69876940@N04/), on Flickr

The trench is getting bigger and more deeper ...
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6225/6350268661_9e4ff4b64e_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69876940@N04/6350268661/)
I3281 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69876940@N04/6350268661/) by Venks Varadharajan (http://www.flickr.com/people/69876940@N04/), on Flickr

Skeletons transforming into big pillars ... :) :)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6118/6351013436_72229c1162_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69876940@N04/6351013436/)
I3282 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69876940@N04/6351013436/) by Venks Varadharajan (http://www.flickr.com/people/69876940@N04/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6220/6351016180_9b4ae794da_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69876940@N04/6351016180/)
I3283 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69876940@N04/6351016180/) by Venks Varadharajan (http://www.flickr.com/people/69876940@N04/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6105/6350272159_7051a51099_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69876940@N04/6350272159/)
I3284 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69876940@N04/6350272159/) by Venks Varadharajan (http://www.flickr.com/people/69876940@N04/), on Flickr

What are these C shaped things ??? Looks like some casting dies ...
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6217/6351016964_f4572a151e_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69876940@N04/6351016964/)
I3285 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69876940@N04/6351016964/) by Venks Varadharajan (http://www.flickr.com/people/69876940@N04/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6100/6350273073_f3e36eb555_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69876940@N04/6350273073/)
I3286 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69876940@N04/6350273073/) by Venks Varadharajan (http://www.flickr.com/people/69876940@N04/), on Flickr

Guess some can explain what is the V shaped structure over the pillar -- The place is Little mt jn. church

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6235/6351018512_336e8b7a7f_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69876940@N04/6351018512/)
I3288 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69876940@N04/6351018512/) by Venks Varadharajan (http://www.flickr.com/people/69876940@N04/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6096/6350273737_49c0828da3_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69876940@N04/6350273737/)
I3287 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69876940@N04/6350273737/) by Venks Varadharajan (http://www.flickr.com/people/69876940@N04/), on Flickr

murlee

November 17th, 2011, 06:40 PM

Great pics once again DP! The V-shaped structure should be for the Little Mount station, I think...

P.S:The slums on the riverbed will surely be an eyesore!! :bash:

ging11

November 17th, 2011, 07:11 PM

coolmukund

November 17th, 2011, 07:16 PM

Nice pics DP. The C shaped things are joined together to form the shell of the circular pillar into which the concrete will be poured. basically the c shaped sheets gives the pillar the circular shape. hope that makes sense. :)

anekho

November 17th, 2011, 08:09 PM

Excellent coverage, DP! Keep it coming :cheers:

krishnaswamy

November 17th, 2011, 08:39 PM

DP...kalakkunga...

bonoslack7

November 17th, 2011, 11:09 PM

http://zeenews.india.com/business/economy/metro-to-reach-cities-with-20-lakh-population_34098.html

Cities having a population of 20 lakh or more will soon have Metro facility. The announcement, which is sure to come as a big relief to the people of numerous cities of this country, was made by Union Urban Development Minister Kamal Nath on Thursday.

This move is said to be initiated to meet the increasing needs of the nation for an improved and efficient transit system.

The Union Minister said that work on phase four of Delhi Metro will start soon. Kamal Nath added that Delhi will get 104 Kilometres route and seven lines in fourth phase of the Metro rail project.

Addressing the media Kamal Nath revealed, “Government has sanctioned Rs 35, 242 crore for phase III Metro rail project in Delhi. This is the largest urban infrastructure project in the country till date.”

Talking about the harrowing experience that the daily commuters face in Delhi, the Union Minister said, “Phase four of the Metro project will be ready by 2016. Once this project is complete, Metro will carry 40 lakh passengers every day.”

Notably, project report on Ahmedabad and Lucknow Metro rail is ready and a survey on Indore, Chandigarh and Bhopal Metro rail is underway.

On the long-pending Metro project in Kochi, the Minister said the proposal for building a 25.3-km network in the Kerala city would be taken to the Union Cabinet in the next 15 days.

He said projects such as Mumbai Line-III (Colaba-Mahim/Bandra corridor) funded by both Central and state governments and Jaipur Metro stage-II, highspeed metro linking Bangalore city with the airport and extension of Chennai Metro under the PPP model.

“A detailed project on Lucknow Metro has been sent to UP government. We are waiting for their reply,” Kamal Nath said.

Nath also proposed to bring in standardisation in all areas of Metro Rail systems with an aim to achieve reduction in cost through economies of scale and increase competition.

To make sure that Metro operations provide networked connectivity, all projects should establish a Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority to create a National Common Mobility Card for fare integration, he said.

"Since Metro Railway is a Railway which is a Central subject, it has been decided that all Metro Rail projects in the country, whether within one municipal are or beyond, shall be taken up under the Central Metro Acts only," he said.

On why the construction of Kolkata Metro Phase-II was given to the Indian Railways, Nath said it was a continuation process as the Phase-I was built by it.

Implicit in the Urban Development Minister’s announcement is Centre’s policy to focus on the development and promotion of the public transport systems across India.

With most of the cities in India being overcrowded and not having an efficient public transport system, any effort by the government in this direction is sure to be a welcome step.

Murali Bala

November 18th, 2011, 05:21 AM

Now Metro contractors can be rest assured their equipments will find some usage and they can be busy as long as the quote thread bare prices. A good way to improve the country and also give job to so many trained people.

arun82

November 18th, 2011, 11:01 AM

arun82

November 18th, 2011, 11:07 AM

Looks like they may have got 25K for shifting but not the TNSCB tenements....:(

GING these are not residential places all commercial establishments like service station, tea shop etc . All built around a temple. The temple has not been touched it is still there.

bonoslack7

November 19th, 2011, 07:06 AM

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/metro-may-realign-station-outside-pachaiyappa/203676-60-120.html

Green activists and University teachers, who have been protesting against the proposal to construct a station for the Chennai Metro Rail on the Pachaiyappa’s College campus, may finally have reason to cheer as the authorities are likely to realign the proposed station.

Pachiayappa’s Trust chairman M K Loganathan told Express on Friday that after a series of negotiations held with the Metro Rail authorities and the Chief Secretary, it was agreed that the underground railway station would not be built on the college premises, but on an adjacent road instead.

“It will be built outside the campus. So, the college will be losing only 37 cents of land. Although there is no compensation involved, the Metro Rail will pay `10 crore to the college as a goodwill gesture,” Loganathan said.

However, since the work would be carried out on the road, the college will provide one acre of land in view of the traffic diversion, which will be in effect during the period. “This land will be given back to the college once the work is completed,” he said.

According to Loganathan, the agreement to this effect had been accepted in principle. “We received the details about the alignment and measurement on Thursday,” he said. Association of University Teachers president Dr Va Mu Se Andavar, who is also the president of the Pachaiyappa Reserve, told Express that the decision to change the alignment was taken 15 days ago. “We thank the media for giving us moral support,” he said. He said that the earlier trustees of the Pachaiyappa’s Trust Board had done injustice to the institution by giving their acceptance to the Metro Rail authorities to acquire the land.

It was Exnora International founder and chairman M B Nirmal, an alumnus of the college, who was in the forefront to save the trees on the campus.

The move would save the trees and rare species of plants with medicinal value, which serve as a carbon sink and green lungs of this area, he said.

No Word Yet: Metro Rail

However, the Metro Rail authorities were tightlipped over the change in alignment. “We are yet to get any official communication in this matter,” said a Metro Rail spokesperson.

ging11

November 19th, 2011, 08:53 AM

Very humorous piece on CMRL constructions, the chaos and the Airport runway approach funnel etc...

However, I thought, the Pedestrian Subway is nowhere in question. If CMRL has to go over the road, the current path appears to be one of the better approaches available. But then it would have been infinitely wiser to have gone UG all the way.

Given the standoff with IAAI & other issues on Corr 1... when officially queired (via RTI) on the reasons for not going UG from Saidpet, for just the last 5 kms when the rest 20 some KMs are UG, it appears CMRL declined to respond

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

the Chennai Metro Rail porject (http://kbalakumar.com/tag/the-chennai-metro-rail-porject/)

K Balakumar

One major outcome of the Metro Rail construction across Chennai will be, quite obviously, my monthly broadband internet bills will remain unpaid for the next two years.

But we will delve into the Metro Rail first.

As a Chennaiite I feel reassured that with the Metro Rail there seems little scope for traffic snarls to break out in 2013 — the year the first phase of the Metro Rail service is expected to roll out —- because it looks highly unlikely that the traffic jams that I am encountering today would have cleared by even then.

Put it simply: Metro Rail seems verily a project that has been conceived to address the traffic problems that Chennaiites will face in the future by getting them to endure that future chaos today itself.

But I am happy that when the Metro Rail becomes operational, it is certain to be a huge success in terms of public patronage, as the authorities seem to have taken up all the roads that are navigable by other means.

These days, there seems to be only two kinds of paved road in Chennai 1) The ones taken over for the Metro Rail construction. 2) The runway at the airport.

The Metro Rail authorities, left to themselves, would have taken over the runway also, and ordered the flights landing at Chennai to take an easy detour to Kolkata.

NO, I am not exaggerating. And if you ask the question: Will the authorities be stupid enough to think of a railway line above the space meant for airplanes? Well, my answer is: They are anyway stupid enough to think of a railway line above —- no, don’t even try guessing this —- a railway line.

And this is happening right at Guindy, a location not very far from where the Chennai airport is.

For the sake of those who have not been to these parts, this is the scenario here: There is an existing railway station. There is a pedestrian subway around it. And above all this spans a road bridge. The authorities, smartly realising that a Metro Rail line would reduce all the confusion here, are working round-the-clock to get up the facility.

For the incredulous, let me repeat the whole plan: The Metro Rail will be above the road bridge, which is above the regular railway line, which is around a pedestrian subway.

Our office is located pretty close to all these. We are majorly hamstrung by all the maddening construction activity. But on the plus side, we maybe the ones to witness it first hand, if and when it happens, the world’s first mid-air collision involving an airplane and —- wait for it —- a train.

Insensitive as it may sound, they should probably ticket the event.

Anyway, if you want to get a hang of the route plan of the Metro Rail, I suggest that you enhance your design understanding by watching the Rajnikanth film Padikathavan.

In the movie, Rajni, who is a taxi-driver, is shown, in a cheesy dream song sequence, to drive his vehicle on the perimeter of nearby high-rise buildings and other similar structures. The Metro Rail, it seems, intends to take such a route.

I base this theory of mine on the fact that, in my neighbourhood, they have smashed several buildings down, which were standing at least 100 metres away from the actual route that the Metro Rail takes. The buildings were on the periphery of the road while the Metro Rail line threads only through the middle of the road. (I hope they at least make it mandatory the Rajavukku Raja Naan Thaan song for the Metro Rail drivers)

One of the buildings that has come down, as it happens, is a part of my daughter school’s. She and her classmates are, however, hoping for adequate governmental compensation in the form of relocation to a higher class without the pointlessness called exams.

Now we switch tracks to my broadband internet.

I am signed for an ‘unlimited plan’.

I will straightaway confess my mistake of never having looked up in any dictionary the meaning of ‘unlimited’. Fortunately for me, my service provider has now provided an authoritative definition for ‘unlimited’: ‘It’s 5 GB’.

But I can start to complain about my internet service the moment I start to get to anywhere near my internet connection, which is possible only if the ‘accounts guys’ (of my service provider) get off the phone line that they are constantly on with me.

I will explain: My internet bill has been ‘outstanding’ for over a month because the collection personnel is still to show up at my doorstep. But every day someone from the company calls up and begins by saying: ‘Sir, your bill is unpaid. Can I send a person and collect the amount?’

Me: ‘Please do’.

No sooner do I put the phone down than it rings again. Some other voice (but with the same earnestness): ‘Sir, your internet bill amount is outstanding…’

Me: ‘I know. I think I just told your colleague that you can come and collect it anytime…’

The earnest voice: ‘Sir, how would I know what you told him…?’

Me: ‘Is there not something called coordination in your office … (slight pause for the sarcasm to sink in)’ (But the rule of the game is never be sarcastic with tele-callers it usually boomerangs on you)

The earnest voice: ‘There is plenty of coordination, sir. We talk amongst ourselves. But we never discuss what we discuss with the clients. So how would I know what you told my colleague?’

Me (resigned to my fate): ‘Okay, send your person without fail at least today’.

Seconds after I end the call, the phone rings. ‘Sir, your internet bill…’

Cue: Expletives.

The point is they keep calling me almost every hour without dispatching the person they promise to, which makes me to think that he might have actually set out for the collection but has not arrived at my doors due to one of those humungous traffic snarls that Guindy is prone to suffer from.

In which case, my bill may remain unpaid for an unlimited time. Unlimited, of course, also means 2013.

darkprinz

November 19th, 2011, 07:28 PM

^^ Chennai metro doesn't go over the Guindy Rail over bridge ... It will be parallel to the present ROB on the suburban station side ... what is he talking about ??? :speech:

Arul Murugan

November 20th, 2011, 02:55 AM

^^ Chennai metro doesn't go over the Guindy Rail over bridge ... It will be parallel to the present ROB on the suburban station side ... what is he talking about ??? :speech:

yes it crosses only 4 railway tracks and does not cross the road bridge at guindy... summa ethavathu eluthanumnu eluthirukku antha article la.. air collision... cmrl... rajinikanth... guindy... nu!!!

Indian Sun

November 20th, 2011, 05:06 AM

^^ Chennai metro doesn't go over the Guindy Rail over bridge ... It will be parallel to the present ROB on the suburban station side ... what is he talking about ??? :speech:

Boss, he is a satirical writer. Chumma comedy dhaan.

prabhu007

November 20th, 2011, 07:36 AM

^^ Yes we must read it with the pun intended and leave it then and there.. The flight path near guindy is at least 6 Kms away from the runway touch-down and hence the altitude would be more than 150 metres for sure. Metro is running at hardly 8-12 metres above ground level. Due to the sheer size of the aircraft, it looks so near, but it is an optical illusion after all!! If that is the case JFK airport is hardly 2 miles away from a cluster of 100 storey buildings (forget about our ROB's height).. They still manage it hands-down.. Grow up folks!!

vijayvmail

November 20th, 2011, 07:37 AM

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-aATpY4KPY60/TsidRT38SCI/AAAAAAAAG2c/qYtnTiRq960/s1494/metro.jpg

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/PUBLICATIONS/DM/DINAMALAR/2011/11/20/Article//103/20_11_2011_103_004.jpg

Source: Dinamalar, Chennai Edition, dated 20-Nov-2011

Pretty much same news that we heard before with a few additional details.
The pictures show samples of TBMs and tunnels. I don't think these are the TBMs for Chennai, but just some samples.

Translation:

Metro work progressing fast in Egmore, Washermanpet station
For this purpose, trenches have been dug for a depth of 20 metres. Wall panels for construction of safety walls are being built
The underground tunnel will be at a depth of 15 to 17 metres from surface
The outer diameter of the tunnels will be around 6.2 metres and the inner diameter will be 5.8 metres.
For this, work is going on fast in Egmore, Nehru Park, Thiru.V.Ka park and Washermanpet.
The wall panel works are oging on day and night. they're expected to be completed by December 10. After that, digging of 20 metre deep trench will start. that will be completed by Jan first week. Actual tunnel digging will start by Jan 15
Tunnel boring machines from China and Russia will be deployed. they will drill 10 metres of tunnel per day
To prevent mud slides while drilling, the chemical 'Bentrite' will be spray on the soil. This will also be kept ready.
During the drilling process, based on the soil condition, heavy vehicles may not be allowed on those roads. CMRL, Chennai Corporation and traffic police will co-operate with each other to identify alternate routes where required.

Murali Bala

November 20th, 2011, 08:45 AM

Ippa than real Project start panrae feel varuthu. Enna tha sollunga underground na lae oru gathu than.

arun82

November 20th, 2011, 12:51 PM

Today also work going on in full speed in L& T Airport-Saidapet section. Gammon has barricaded half of DMS bus stop. Station work has also commenced in all station in the elevated section.

Why is L&T is busy working in Airport-Saidapet section when there are many pending work in ST Thomas mount - Koyambedu line.

Any idea how many floors will the elevated stations will have as it appears like only one floor as per pillar layout.

prabhu007

November 20th, 2011, 01:18 PM

^^L&T has various teams working on various sections, and who knows, each section might have been tendered to a sub-vendor. So they cant quickly shift employees from one place to another..

wlbkng

November 20th, 2011, 04:42 PM

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/386285_190233177728220_154701661281372_444788_1164137191_n.jpg
From FB, Near Kasi Theatre

Leo_r

November 20th, 2011, 07:05 PM

How do they join these segments?

coolmukund

November 20th, 2011, 07:18 PM

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/386285_190233177728220_154701661281372_444788_1164137191_n.jpg
From FB, Near Kasi Theatre

Nice shot, but a pretty old one. Currently the viaduct has progressed through 4-5 more spans from its position in the picture.

Kathir

November 20th, 2011, 08:00 PM

Nice shot, but a pretty old one. Currently the viaduct has progressed through 4-5 more spans from its position in the picture.

Also.. Parapet walls are being installed at two places - near Lords and Ekkattuthangal bus stop..

proprashanth

November 20th, 2011, 09:08 PM

why don't they use this boring machine to create/improve drainage for entire city?
once drainage becomes better, roads need not be damaged...

anekho

November 20th, 2011, 10:39 PM

Metro Rail: promises galore and so are questions

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00841/vbk-20metrorailgrap_841750f.jpg

CMRL Managing Director says that issues will be addressed by multi-modal integration study that is currently on

With the city well into its north-east monsoon spell, preparations are afoot at a feverish pace to commence work on the underground section of the Chennai Metro Rail project.

Full-scale construction is expected to start along the Poonamallee High Road by January, immediately after the monsoon comes to a close. Diaphragm walls, reaching to a depth of 22-23 metre below the ground level, have already started coming up at six locations – Washermenpet, May Day Park, Egmore, Nehru Park, Kilpauk and Shenoy Nagar.

All underground tunnelling and station construction work would begin only after construction of the diaphragm walls, which would prevent the soil on either side from collapsing. A senior official of Chennai Metro Rail Limited said that a team from CMRL carried out inspections of the Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) in China last month. Eleven such machines are expected to arrive at the Chennai port next month.

Traffic management plan

Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Sanjay Arora said that a comprehensive traffic management plan prepared for Poonamallee High Road and Anna Nagar would be put in place by January. “We are working on a plan for the Anna Salai stretch. Each location where an underground station is coming up has been treated as a ‘segment'.”

Of the 36 Metro stations, 20 would be underground and Mr.Arora said that each of those ‘segments' would have its own unique traffic plan that will be implemented in a staggered fashion as the construction progresses. Projections show that the average vehicular speed on arterial roads would drop by 6 kmph when underground tunnelling work begins. “Temporary footpath space or ramps would be provided for pedestrians,” Mr.Arora added. Though the city would have to live with traffic flow problems over the next two years, once the metro rail network is in place, it is expected to reduce journey time by 50-75 per cent, the CMRL official said. A passenger will be able to travel from Chennai Central station to Anna Nagar in just 14 minutes as against the 30 - 40 minutes that it takes now by bus. The travel time from Mannady in Georgetown to the airport in Meenambakkam would come down by as much as half. It would take 44 minutes by the Metro to cover the distance of about 22 km whereas it takes anywhere between 75-90 minutes by bus at present.

But even as the promise of a world-class public transportation system is being keenly awaited by the city's residents, there are several issues that have been left unaddressed till now which might determine the eventual success or failure of Metro Rail.

Experts say that the issue of pedestrian access has lacked enough attention despite CMRL's projections showing that 16,000 persons would come out on to Anna Salai each hour from proposed stations such as the one near LIC building by 2016.

CMRL Managing Director K.Rajaraman said that these aspects would be addressed by a multi-modal integration study that is currently on. “It would be submitted early next year to the Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA), which would be in a position to give appropriate directions to various agencies,” he said. There are also proposals to introduce feeder bus services along 23 routes from and to the stations.

‘Tunnel effect?'

Another facet highlighted even by the detailed project report prepared for the Chennai Metro Rail project is that in many sections of the elevated corridor, just 2-3 metres would be exposed to open air – creating a “tunnel effect”, darkening the entire arterial road below.

The report goes on to say that international experience shows such areas are highly prone to anti-social activity, crime and overall deterioration in urban environment (Example: Jackson Heights and Brooklyn stations in New York).

The proposed Metro fare structure (Rs.8-23) is also likely to change in light of the State government announcing a hike in bus fares. The Metro fares are to be arrived at as a multiple of that charged by Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) for its air-conditioned buses.

“The fare structure as of now is fluid. We will take a call based on energy costs,” Mr. Rajaraman said.

Stressing that the city cannot rely on the Metro alone to improve traffic conditions, N.S. Srinivasan, former director, National Transportation Planning and Research Centre, said: “The modal share of public transport may go up once the Metro Rail becomes operational, but the absolute number of private vehicles would still be a problem. Most arterial roads would still be congested.”

Chennai's future as a sustainable urban area looks bleak unless some major interventions are made on the urban planning front, he adds.

He added that a study is required to determine whether the Metro network, comprising two corridors, must be stopped with the existing 45 km under construction or extended further.

“Integration will prove difficult otherwise. For example, people would be expected to walk for about 1.5 km to interchange between the monorail and metro rail corridors at Kathipara junction. No one is going to accept it.”

Cut-off from debate

There is also a section of the city's population that has been completely cut off from the ongoing debate on the need to improve the quality of life of residents, of which the metro rail network is a symbol.

A.T.B. Bose of the North Chennai People's Rights Federation said: “I get angry when I see ongoing metro rail work in other parts of the city. Back in 2004, Tiruvottiyur-Airport was the first Metro corridor that was proposed. It was dropped in favour of a monorail network by the AIADMK government initially and the Tiruvottiyur link was overlooked by the next government because of additional costs. Now, we have neither monorail nor metro rail.”

What they say

K. Rajaraman, CMRL Managing Director:

About 70 per cent of the work on Stage-I (Ashok Nagar-Koyambedu-St.Thomas Mount elevated section) is complete. Operational trials are expected to start by 2013. Chennai's Metro system would be equivalent to those in existence in other parts of the world.

There are also plans to integrate metro rail with the proposed monorail network at Vadapalani and Kathipara, perhaps through skywalks. Certainly, both rail corridors will have to work together. CUMTA will ensure that this happens. That is the forum where all these issues of inter-linking and coordination will be raised.

K.P. Subramanian, former professor, Anna University:

The metro rail network is being built through arterial roads which are already serviced reasonably well by existing modes of public transport. Since it is a cost-intensive project, efforts have to be made to bring in as many passengers as possible to the stations through feeder services. The catchment area can be greatly increased if Bus Rapid Transit Systems were to be introduced, projecting out of Metro hubs. BRTS would cost only around Rs.10 crore per kilometre and it is an option that has to be seriously considered by the government.

M. Charles, suburban EMU commuter:

Chennai deserves a better train network. The Metro and Monorail should live up to the expectations of commuters, who now have no choice other than the crowded EMU trains. I have been travelling on the Beach-Tambaram EMU for 30 years to get to my workplace in Ennore. While I am happy with the frequency on the stretch, the Chennai Central-Gummidipoondi segment needs more services. That is my connecting train. More checks should also be conducted to keep compartments free of hawkers.

Source (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Chennai/article2644495.ece)

Arul Murugan

November 21st, 2011, 08:45 AM

^^

wlbkng, note Chennai in the name board ;)

ging11

November 21st, 2011, 09:11 AM

How do they join these segments?

Perhaps. Inter locking crevices and heavy duty steel cables?

natarajan1986

November 21st, 2011, 10:54 AM

Perhaps. Inter locking crevices and heavy duty steel cables?

A "segment" is a large, unique piece of reinforced precast concrete designed to interlock with other segments to form a "span" between two piers. The segments are held together with steel cables, called post-tensioning strands. Spans make up the guideway.

Abhishek901

November 21st, 2011, 06:11 PM

Metro Rail: promises galore and so are questions

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00841/vbk-20metrorailgrap_841750f.jpg

Capacity of metro trains is double of what has been stated here.

wlbkng

November 21st, 2011, 06:21 PM

^^

wlbkng, note Chennai in the name board ;)

Arul, it was there ever since that pict was uploaded in cmrl website

sshivakumar

November 21st, 2011, 09:42 PM

Not directly related, but found this while searching for something. See what kind of experience someone is bringing to Chennai Metro :banana:

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/sivaram-thirumoorthy/13/198/887

sshivakumar

November 21st, 2011, 09:58 PM

Current Robbins Projects in India

Irrigation and Water Supply
Robbins currently has three 10 m (32.8 ft) Double Shield Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) working on two projects in India – the Andhra Pradesh State and the Pula Subbaiah Veligonda Project – as part of a large effort to improve irrigation tunnels at the Srisailam Canal on the Krishna River. The projects will help transfer water to arid regions of the Andhra Pradesh State, Prakasam, Nellore and Kadapa.

Robbins also has a 10 m (32.8 ft) Hybrid Earth Pressure Balance Machine (EPB) boring a 12 km (7.5 mi) tunnel for the Sleemanabad Carrier Canal to help transfer irrigation water from the Bargi Dam to the Katni, Satna, Panna and Jabalpur districts.

Additionally, a 6.25 m (20.5 ft) Robbins Main Beam TBM will begin boring 8.3 km (5.2 mi) of the new Mumbai Water Supply Tunnel in late fall to help prevent leakages and ensure drinking water doesn’t get contaminated during monsoon season.

Metro Rail
A 6.65 m (21.8 ft) Robbins EPB will bore two new tunnel sections on Line 1 of the Chennai Metro Rail beginning in early 2012. The new rail will extend from the Washermanpet area to Chennai International Airport and is expected to help relieve heavy traffic congestion in the area.

Source : http://www.robbinstbm.com/event/excon-2011/

lexraja

November 21st, 2011, 10:13 PM

Metro Rail: promises galore and so are questions

CMRL Managing Director K.Rajaraman said that these aspects would be addressed by a multi-modal integration study that is currently on. “It would be submitted early next year to the Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA), which would be in a position to give appropriate directions to various agencies,” he said. There are also proposals to introduce feeder bus services along 23 routes from and to the stations.

^^

There is a mention of CUMTA here . Does any one know if this body has already been formed ?

M. Charles, suburban EMU commuter:

While I am happy with the frequency on the stretch, the Chennai Central-Gummidipoondi segment needs more services. That is my connecting train.

^^

Once Metro becomes operational an average commuter can expect atleast one hop from either Train-Train for Train-Bus . Services like Suburban (North,West,South) and MTC should proportionately increase to accommodate this change .

K.P. Subramanian, former professor, Anna University:
The catchment area can be greatly increased if Bus Rapid Transit Systems were to be introduced, projecting out of Metro hubs. BRTS would cost only around Rs.10 crore per kilometre and it is an option that has to be seriously considered by the government.

^^

This is one place where a Mono would come in handy . Major Metro hubs like STM could implement the hub and spoke model with multiple Mono rail corridors feeding into them.

:)

sshivakumar

November 21st, 2011, 10:22 PM

In 2012, a new 6.65 m (21.8 ft) Robbins EPB will tackle mixed ground conditions in densely urban Chennai.

The southeastern Indian city is a rapidly growing technological and industrial center with a population of more than 8.2 million people. Owner Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has commissioned two new rail lines to help with traffic congestion, totaling 45.1 km (28.0 mi) in length.

The Robbins EPB will excavate two 1 km (0.6 mi) tunnel sections of Lot UAA-01 on Line 1, extending from the Washermanpet area toward Chennai International Airport. The EPB, for contractor Afcons Infrastructure Ltd, will excavate variable ground consisting of granite, sand, silt, and clay with boulders up to 300 mm (12 in) in diameter.

The mixed ground EPB design will utilize a combination of 17-inch diameter disc cutters as well as soft ground tools. Specialized, small grippers located around the circumference of the machine’s shield will allow for cutterhead stabilization in harder ground, and in addition will react the forces needed to pull the cutterhead back from the face.

Following shipment to the jobsite in January 2012, the TBM will be assembled and launched from a 28 m (92 ft) deep starting pit.

Source : http://www.robbinstbm.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Robbins-Newsletter_Q3_2011_emaildistribution.pdf

geico2000

November 22nd, 2011, 01:55 AM

self delete

natarajan1986

November 22nd, 2011, 04:22 AM

The metro rail is likely to give commuters an unprecedented view of the city’s skyline as it will soar over the clovershaped grade separator at Kathipara junction in Guindy.
Tracks for trains from Koyambedu to St Thomas Mount will be built over the Kathipara grade separator. It will be the highest point of elevation for the metro line, set to open in 2013, in the city.
“The metro viaduct will stand 24 metres from surface level as it passes above the grade separator at Guindy. This is going to be the highest point of elevation for the metro corridor anywhere in the city. The second highest will be at Vadapalani where the Koyambedu-Ashok Nagar stretch of the elevated line will travel above a flyover that is planned across Vadapalani junction,” said S Krishnamoorthy, general manager, public relations, Chennai Metro Rail.
Commuters will be able to enjoy the kind of view of Guindy and the grade separator that can only be seen from an aeroplane at present.
The Koyambedu-Alandur-St Thomas Mount part of the Chennai Central-Koyambedu-St Thomas Mount corridor via 100 feet road will r i s e ove r t h e Kathipara grade separator on the Porur side and join the Washermanpet-Anna Salai-Airport corridor just before reaching Alandur metro station. Alandur is where both metro corridors merge before reaching the airport. The Washermanpet-Anna Salai-Airport corridor will also be built above part of the grade separator to reach Alandur station.
Metro rail contractors have started to build pillars in the space between the clover-shaped wing on the Porur side and on the Le Meridien side of the grade separator. Concrete platforms will then be constructed to lay tracks.
Work has begun on the Alandur station by GST road near the Alandur municipality office. Work on the elevated corridor from Koyambedu to Guindy via Ashok Nagar, and on 100 Feet Road is underway.
At the Vadapalani junction on the Vadapalani-Kodambakkam Arcot road, where a flyover is planned, the metro train will run at a height of 16.3m, said Krishnamoorthy. Track work will soon start on the Koyambedu-Ashok Nagar stretch as viaducts have been placed on most pillars constructed along the median of 100 Feet Road.
Metro rail officials have told the contractor to take adequate precaution while constructing the viaduct over the clover shaped flyover. Piers, pier caps have been built and works to construct pillars have already started. Huge machines will be used to make the span of the bridges over which tracks will be laid.
A senior official of metro rail said works were progressing as per schedule. Works have also started to build pillars on the GST Road for the airport line. Metro has also started to take possession of land allotted to it in the Officers Training Academy-airport stretch.
Four-coach trains will be operated along the 13km Koyembedu-St Thomas Mount section when it opens in 2013. Trial runs will be conducted as soon as works are completed in the section.
Tracking The Metro Rail
Tracks for metro rail trains from Koyambedu to St Thomas Mount will be built over the Kathipara flyover (grade separator)
The viaduct will touch 24 metres at its peak over the Kathipara flyover.
It will be constructed on pillars that will tower over the grade separator
There will be more than enough
space between the viaduct of the metro and the flyover to allow vehicle movement
Travelling to airport is going to be hasslefree with metro rail. Washermanpet to airport will take only 45 minutes by metro while it takes 100 minutes by road
Metro carries same amount of commuters as
seven lanes of bus traffic or 22 lanes of private cars.
It reduces journey time by 50 to 75% Cost of the metro project
15,000 cr
Distance to be covered under two metro corridors
45km
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=TOICH/2011/11/22/2/Img/Pc0020600.jpg

source (http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOICH/2011/11/22&PageLabel=2&EntityId=Ar00200&ViewMode=HTML)

Murali Bala

November 22nd, 2011, 06:21 AM

That is almost flying on a 8th floor building. Should be quite unique and give a roller coaster effect.

Arul Murugan

November 22nd, 2011, 06:34 AM

^^

have they shown the correct loop? I could see OTP, Hilton at back ground.. so the Corridor II metro should be on the two loops in the west (i.e porur and airport side loops).. but in the pic looks they have shown the le-meridian side loop.

coolmukund

November 22nd, 2011, 05:41 PM

Abhishek901

November 22nd, 2011, 06:24 PM

That is almost flying on a 8th floor building. Should be quite unique and give a roller coaster effect.

It could be highest in the country as well for time being. Highest point in Delhi metro is just 20 m.

Cbeadmirer

November 23rd, 2011, 08:40 AM

1. From Asargana bus stop till mount subway (while going from Katipara to STM) on the right side of the road, houses are vacated and partially demolished to pave way for metro between Alandur & STM.

2. Metro station work started at STM adjacent to the suburban station.

vivekajithfan

November 23rd, 2011, 01:44 PM

Why not extension of metro till Tambaram not taken into consideration?????Upto Airport looks half balked.....I guess passangers are more in Pallavaram,chrompet,sanatorium and Tambaram....It'll be really helpful for passengers and then the suburban train frequencies must be added for tam-CGL line

prabhu007

November 23rd, 2011, 04:04 PM

Not a bad idea. But consider this, Airport to Tambaram is around 10 Kms, which already has a parallel Railway line running successfully. Instead they can extend metro on some other side like say,

from STM/Alandur towards Porur (same 10KMs) elevated line. This will cover important places like Ramavaram (has SRM Easwari college, CII, MIOT Hospital, etc), Places near DLF IT Park, Porur.

There are many other routes that require Metro. But unfortunately Metro expansion is not in JJ's Urban transit plan for chennai

rsrikanth05

November 24th, 2011, 04:59 PM

It could be highest in the country as well for time being. Highest point in Delhi metro is just 20 m.
Err... Mumbai Metro will be at a 10th floor height over the WEH Jog flyover.

Abhishek901

November 24th, 2011, 06:05 PM

Err... Mumbai Metro will be at a 10th floor height over the WEH Jog flyover.

What is the height in meters?

prabhu007

November 24th, 2011, 07:00 PM

One floor avg is 3m so may be 30 metres I guess...

prabhu007

November 24th, 2011, 07:02 PM

Abhishek901

November 24th, 2011, 07:09 PM

One floor avg is 3m so may be 30 metres I guess...

I know average floor's height but I want to know actual height of the bridge.

coolmukund

November 24th, 2011, 07:17 PM

Update: Placing portals near CMBT entrance is going on in good speed. As I had mentioned a few weeks earlier traffic has been diverted to the opposite side for a small stretch. Hope Soma completes the other portal near Ashok pillar (opposite to Ramkay TVS) asap. Not sure how they are going to deal with the traffic there..

Traffic has not yet been diverted. They have provided space for diversion by encroaching into half of the other side (with bright yellow barrels - filled with sand i guess - as medians). They will probably start diverting the traffic from the weekend.

rsrikanth05

November 24th, 2011, 07:33 PM

^^ What's a portal?

coolmukund

November 24th, 2011, 08:21 PM

^^ What's a portal?

Portal in english = doorway.

similarly in this context, a portal is a couple of pillars with a horizontal slab joining the tops of the pillars. this will give it an effect of a doorway which is why it is called portal.

The portal is mostly used when the viaduct needs to take a turn across a road. In this case regular pillars cannot be used since, they will come in the middle of the road.

Below is a picture which i had posted earlier. not able to get hold of that post. so here goes the picture:
http://i.imgur.com/ZVWli.jpg
The red and yellow lines with a pillar on either side of each, will form the portals in front of CMBT. The viaduct takes a turn at this point to move from the center of the road to inside CMBT.

A typical example of portals in Chennai is in front of the STPI building near the Tidel Park signal. The MRTS track crosses the OMR using these portals.

rsrikanth05

November 25th, 2011, 07:24 AM

^^ Got it, we've seen so many of them in Delhi and BLR Metro pics.
Where it curves, OR where there is less space for pillar on median.

natarajan1986

November 25th, 2011, 07:26 AM

Coimbatore could soon boast of a metro rail if the state gover nment aggressively pursues the Union urban development ministry’s move to introduce the facility in tier-II cities with a population of more than 20 lakh. The state government will have to approach the Centre with a proposal.
With the cotton city growing at a furious pace, intracity transport facilities have become inadequate. The population influx into Coimbatore from other parts of western Tamil Nadu makes a metro rail network essential for comfortable travel within the city, which has grown into a hub for education, healthcare and industry.
But the challenge is to get the state government to rush its proposal through. The AIADMK government has made it clear that it doesn’t see metro rail as an option for Tamil Nadu. In the last budget, the government prioritized building a monorail system in Chennai, besides proposing feasibility studies for other cities, including Coimbatore, Madurai and Trichy. The previous DMK government had proposed a metro rail facility for Coimbatore.
“As per the technical advice given to chief minister J Jayalalithaa, the metro rail is not a feasible option for Coimbatore due to the cost of the project and the extended time needed to build it. Compared to the metro rail, the monorail has low noise pollution, costs less and the land requirement is far less,” said a senior AIADMK leader, who didn't want to be named.
According to sources in the city Corporation, the idea of a metro rail for Coimbatore was introduced during the previous DMK government. Some experts, including S P Palanisamy, a former IIT professor who is part of a technical advisory committee for implementation of JNNURM projects, had then pointed out that the metro rail was not feasible for Coimbatore as it was a radial city. According to them, metro rail is ideal only for linear cities like Mumbai and Chennai. Yet another section of experts insisted that monorail was suitable only for tourist destinations.
Local urban administration authorities said no study had been done so far on the feasibility of building a metro rail in Coimbatore. “Apart from the high decibel speeches of politicians, nothing concrete has been done. The city can think of metro rail only after the Chennai metro project becomes operational,’’ said an official.
However, K Kathirmathiyon of Coimbatore Consumer Cause believes that a metro rail is the only effective means to manage crowds in the growing city. “The road accident rate will come down if a metro rail is introduced. Roads will become safer as more people will choose the metro. Also people will be able to travel further for employment,’’ he said.
Coimbatore MP P R Natarajan shares a similar view. “This is a developing city where the education, industry and health sectors promise better revenue for metro rail services. Only government initiative can ensure its early implementation. In Delhi, it took many years for implementation but Bangalore was able to do it in a short span of time,” he said.
Industry
ready to fund project
Coimbatore: Funds would not be a problem if the authorities decide to implement the metro rail facility in Coimbatore under publicprivate partnership, says captains of trade and industry in the city. There are a number of traders and entrepreneurs capable of investing if such a dream project comes into effect in Coimbatore. Another advantage is that there are many investors across the globe with a psychological attachment to the city. They will be willing to channel their resources if the government approaches them.
"Funds would not be a constraint if the government comes out with a metro rail project for Coimbatore. The Chamber of Commerce itself will take the initiative to bring in prospective investors if the authorities moot a public-private partnership. There are many entrepreneurs across the globe having roots in Coimbatore and they will surely fund this move. If the government decides, the metro rail could turn a reality,’’ said M Krishnan, president of Indian Chamber of Trade and Commerce-Coimbatore.
CII’s Coimbatore chapter chairman Ravi Sam also expressed his readiness to take the initiative in canvassing investors if Coimbatore Metro comes under public-private partnership. TNN

source (http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOICH/2011/11/25&PageLabel=7&EntityId=Ar00700&ViewMode=HTML)

It seems amma will achieve her aim of making tn into bihar