Chennai Metro Wins Award for Innovative Cost-Cutting Solution

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has been recognized for its innovative tunnel ventilation solution, winning an award at the 20th International Symposium on Aerodynamics, Ventilation, and Fire in Tunnels (ISAVFT 2024). The award, presented under the 'Sustainability in Underground Design and Construction' category, highlights CMRL's cost-cutting measures in their Phase-2 project.

The award-winning solution, detailed in a paper titled ‘Chennai Metro, India - A Case Study,’ was developed by Hari Prasad, AGM (Mechanical System) at CMRL, and R Singh S Vassoudevane from Systra Infrastructure. The paper addresses the challenge of designing underground stations in densely populated areas, focusing on minimizing the footprint of essential service areas without compromising functionality and safety.

To optimize space and reduce costs, the authors proposed positioning a tunnel ventilation fan (TVF) at one end of the station and utilizing it only when necessary. This innovative approach reduces the number of required fans from eight to two, leading to significant savings in both space and expenses.

The study confirms that even with a single TVF, the system adheres to all fire safety requirements. The cost savings in Chennai Metro Rail's Phase-2 project result from optimizing civil space, reducing the number of fans, and lowering electrical load and cabling needs. This recognition underscores CMRL's commitment to sustainable and efficient design in urban infrastructure projects.

News by Rahul Yelligetti