Kochi Metro extension: Girder installation begins for Infopark phase 2 route

Kochi: Work on installing girders has begun for the second phase of the Kochi Metro extension to Kakkanad Infopark. The first girder was placed on pillars 284 and 285 along the Infopark Expressway on Friday morning.

The 170-tonne U-girder, manufactured at the casting yard in Kalamassery, was transported to the site using a multi-axle trailer. It was lifted into place with a heavy-duty crane and secured to the pier caps on the pillars.

Installation of girders along the Infopark Expressway route will continue in the coming days. So far, 65 pillars have been completed near SEZ, Alinchuvadu, and Vazhakkala stations, with pier caps installed on 18 of them.

A total of 1,135 piles have been completed, including 875 for the metro line and 260 for stations. Construction of girders and pier caps is also underway at the Kalamassery casting yard, with 100 U-girders, 72 I-girders, and 100 pier caps completed to date.