Chennai Metro to set World Record with Five Tracks on a Single Pillar

Chennai, India (Metro Rail Today): Chennai is on the brink of achieving a groundbreaking engineering milestone with its Metro Phase II project—constructing five metro tracks on a single pillar, a feat never accomplished anywhere in the world.

This ambitious innovation includes a double-decker viaduct spanning four kilometers from Vadapalani to Porur. The structure will accommodate four metro trains, optimizing space and efficiency. Additionally, a loop line on Arcot Road will facilitate seamless track switching, all supported by a single pillar—a marvel of modern engineering.

Originally, authorities planned an underground tunnel in the Arcot Road area, but the ₹5,000 crore additional cost led to a game-changing decision: elevating five tracks on a double-decker structure. This innovative approach not only slashes expenses but also accelerates project completion.

To ensure stability, the pillars extend 75 meters underground, providing a robust foundation for the massive structure. The design strategically places two tracks at the lower level for Line 4 and two at the upper level for Line 5, with the loop line integrated for seamless train movement.

According to Chennai Metro Rail Ltd.'s Project Director T. Archunan, this pioneering construction is a world first. He emphasized that the five-track system over a four-kilometer stretch allows four trains to operate simultaneously on a single pillar, setting a new global benchmark in metro rail infrastructure.

Currently, the Chennai Metro spans 54 kilometers, covering routes from the airport to Wimco Nagar and St. Thomas Mount to Central. Serving over 3 lakh passengers daily, the metro has transported more than 35.53 crore commuters since its 2015 launch, with 10.52 crore riders in 2024 alone.

As Chennai Metro advances toward this record-setting achievement, it not only enhances urban connectivity but also establishes the city as a leader in innovative transit solutions.