The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has achieved a significant engineering milestone on Mumbai Metro Line 6 by successfully installing a critical steel span across an operational Western Railway corridor near Jogeshwari. This development marks steady progress on the 14.5-km fully elevated Pink Line, which includes 13 stations and a depot at Kanjurmarg spread over 15.2 hectares.
A key component of this achievement was the construction of Pier P124, strategically located between the up and down suburban railway tracks—one of the busiest rail sections in the city. Executing work in such a constrained zone required meticulous planning, as train services continued on both sides. Construction activities, including foundation work and pier cap development, were carried out in compliance with railway safety norms and within limited night-time working windows.
Following the completion of the pier, a 42-metre steel composite girder span was installed between Pier P123 and P124. Weighing approximately 168.96 metric tonnes, the structure comprises main girders, cross girders, and bracing elements forming a composite system. The installation was completed within a 10-hour railway block using synchronized lifting by 500-tonne and 600-tonne hydraulic cranes. Due to space constraints, cranes were positioned between active tracks, and the span was placed at a height of 10–12 metres above rail level while maintaining required safety clearances.
Despite the complexity, the operation was completed without disruption beyond the sanctioned railway block, in close coordination with Western Railway authorities.
Metro Line 6, connecting Swami Samarth Nagar in Lokhandwala to Vikhroli, is expected to significantly improve east–west connectivity in Mumbai. Once operational, it will help reduce travel time, ease congestion on key routes such as the Jogeshwari–Vikhroli Link Road, and enhance integration with multiple metro lines and suburban rail networks.
MMRDA officials stated that the execution highlights the authority’s capability to deliver complex infrastructure in dense urban environments while maintaining safety. Metropolitan Commissioner Dr Sanjay Mukherjee said the project is a long-awaited link for commuters, adding that phased opening options are being explored to make sections operational at the earliest.
Source: Prop News Time
