Order amidst Pandemonium

Nagpur Metro Reach-2 team makes brisk progress and selflessly helps local communities during pandemic

The iconic double decker launchers at the Nagpur Metro project have done their job. At the final stages of dismantling, these mammoth machines have become synonymous with the project. Meanwhile, for Afconians engaged in Reach-2 of the project, it is business as usual, remaining unfazed in the face of extreme crisis.

Afcons is constructing India's longest Metro double-decker viaduct (5.3-km), and, at one of its intersections, there is a four-layer multi-modal transport system. Significant progress was made on this ambitious project during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The dedicated team made remarkable progress in the past months despite several disruptions and restrictions. They pulled all stops to meet their goals, learning and adapting to flourish in the changing times. “Apart from knowing one’s roles and responsibilities, each member of the team took up the responsibility of ensuring their own safety and safety of those around them,” explains Project Manager Amar Raut.

The Metro double-decker viaduct comprises flyover and Metro spans supported on single piers, two solid approach ramps, 44m obligatory steel span and 80m steel span over the busy Gaddigodam railway crossing. Laying the foundation at the stretch along the National Highway proved to be a major challenge. There are multiple traffic intersections and continuous heavy vehicular movement along the alignment. The team ensured adequate safety measures were taken for the task to be achieved with minimum disruptions to traffic. In fact, the foundation and substructure works were completed well in advance for the all-important launching operation.

At its peak, four double decker launchers, one Bridgecon launcher, and two sets of ground supporting structures were deployed for completing superstructure erection works. As many as 24 spans of NHAI and Metro levels were erected in just a month. “We set milestones and stayed on/ahead of schedule right from the beginning. Because of this discipline, we were able to mobilise quickly after lockdown and resumed our activities in no time,” adds Raut.

In an extremely trying year, the team completed 4.4 km spine and wing casting out of 5.3 km. Four kms Metro viaduct has been completed and handed over for track laying works. As many as 2,320 segments have been cast by December 2020 at the Nagalwadi Casting Yard. Also, 1700 MT structural steel required for the railway span (80m) superstructure was procured during the same period.

Alongside project activities, the Nagpur Metro team also dedicatedly involved themselves to help the city police and local communities during the lockdown. “Afcons has always thrived alongside local communities, and we are no different. When activities were halted at the site, the team selflessly served the local communities. We are humbled for being able to stand by the city police, the poor and the deprived during the pandemic,” says Raut.