KOCHI: The balanced cantilever span of Kochi Metro across Ernakulam South Railway yard is nearing completion. The structure is a one-of-its-kind being executed by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). The cantilever span has a total length of 220 m and is constructed between Metro’s Pillar No. 750 and 752. According to the DMRC officers, the entire structure will be ready by November 4.
“Only three more metres need to be completed. The cantilever bridge was originally scheduled for completion in March this year, but the delay in land acquisition and getting approval from the Commissioner of Railway Safety and design clearance from Southern Railways held up the work. The clearance was necessary as the structure was to be constructed over the railway track,” said the officer.
The total cost of the cantilever span is `58 crore. The total weight of the steel used for the construction is 2,000 MT and the total volume of concrete used in 8,000 cubic metre. The cantilever span comes at the point where the Metro Rail takes a 152 m sharp detour.
According to the DMRC officers, though there are many cantilever bridges constructed in a straight line, the construction of the same at a curve is very rare. The DMRC is also planning to paint the Cantilever portion later with Aquamarine blue, the Metro theme colour. “Along with the DMRC engineers , it was the hard work of engineers and workers of SP Singla Constructions Pvt Ltd which enabled the completion of the structure,” said the official release.