Delhi Metro Rail Corporationās Digital Design of the New Delhi Railway Station Skywalk
Organization: Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (DMRC)
Project Name: New Delhi Railway Station Skywalk Digital Design and Optimization
Location: New Delhi, India
Project Phase: Completed
Estimated Project Cost: INR 405,700,000
Bentley Software: STAAD.Pro, RAM Connection, OpenBridge Designer, OpenBuildings Designer, ProjectWise
Additional Context: DMRC constructed a 242-meter elevated skywalk connecting the railway station with metro lines to improve commuter flow and safety. Using Bentleyās digital twin and structural design tools, the team reduced costs by INR 6 million, saved 250 metric tons of steel and 1,000 cubic meters of concrete, cut 900 work hours, improved efficiency by 20%, and accelerated workflows by 70%, all with ZERO onsite accidents or structural failures.
Project
In the heart of India’s bustling capital, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) constructed a 242-meter-long Skywalk at the New Delhi Railway Station. Before its construction, passengers struggled with disjointed and congested pathways when moving between the railway station and the nearby metro lines. This architectural marvel now provides a direct, elevated connection between the Ajmeri Gate side of the railway station and the adjacent New Delhi Metro stations, including the Airport Express and Yellow lines. The design was inspired by the historic Jantar Mantar observatory, featuring a unique āfish skinā zinc roof that appears to float without visible supports. This project stands as a testament to the cityās commitment to modernizing its infrastructure and creating efficient, safe, and seamless connectivity for millions of commuters.
Facts
- Cut INR 6 million in project costs through material optimization and improved construction planning, enabled by Bentleyās digital twin technology and digital construction planning tools.
- Saved 250 metric tons of steel and 1,000 cubic meters of concrete by using structural analysis software STAAD.Pro and RAM Connection for design optimization.
- 900 work hours saved, and team efficiency improved by 20% through real-time model updates and digital class detection.
- Design workflows accelerated by 70%, with a 55% increase in data synchronization and 40% reduction in modeling time using Bentleyās infrastructure modeling software and digital project delivery tools.
āBentley has consistently equipped engineers with cutting-edge, technologically advanced, and highly intuitive software solutions. Through its innovative tools, Bentley enabled DMRC to optimize efficiency, saving approximately 900 work hours and significantly reducing material usage by 250 metric tons of structural steel in this project.ā
Solution
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) faced significant challenges, including dense urban traffic, limited space for construction, and the need to coordinate with multiple agencies. To overcome these hurdles, DMRC turned to Bentley’s advanced software solutions to create a digital twin of the skywalk. By going digital, the team created a collaborative environment where all stakeholders could review, comment on, and modify designs early in the process, preventing costly on-site errors.
Bentley’s STAAD.Pro software was essential for analyzing and designing the complex structure, ensuring it was both safe and efficient. Using its advanced modeling capabilities, engineers created a precise 3D replica of the skywalk, which helped save 8% to 10% in materials. RAM Connection worked seamlessly with STAAD.Pro to design and detail the steel connections, saving 20% in detailing time. The use of other Bentley applications, including OpenBridge Designer, also helped with the design. This integrated digital approach allowed the team to explore multiple design options quickly, streamline workflows, and ensure all parts of the project were perfectly coordinated. helped with the design. This integrated digital approach allowed the team to explore multiple design options quickly, streamline workflows, and ensure all parts of the project were perfectly coordinated.
Outcome
The adoption of Bentley’s digital solutions delivered remarkable results for the project. By developing a digital twin, DMRC not only improved cost estimation accuracy but also enhanced project planning. DMRC saved approximately INR 6 million by optimizing materials and improving planning. The project saw a 20% increase in team efficiency due to digital clash detection, which minimized rework. Most importantly, the team saved 900 work hours, reduced concrete use by up to 16%, and saved 250 metric tons of steel. The skywalk now improves commuting convenience for the public and has contributed to enhanced safety and a reduction in road accidents in the area.
Software
- STAAD.Pro A comprehensive structural analysis and design application for buildings, towers, bridges, and other structures that use a wide range of materials and international codes.
- RAM Connection A tool for designing and checking steel connections quickly and accurately to meet global standards.
- OpenBridge Designer An all-in-one solution for planning, designing, and analyzing bridges with improved efficiency and collaboration.
- OpenBuildings Designer A building design application that helps architects and engineers create smarter, more energy-efficient buildings.
- ProjectWise A collaboration platform that helps teams manage, share, and track project data across disciplines and locations.
Discover the Bentley software behind DMRCās digitally engineered skywalk:
- Achieve comprehensive structural analysis and design for any structure type.
- Learn more about STAAD.ProĀ āÆ
- Design and optimize steel connections with a fully integrated solution.
- Explore RAM ConnectionĀ āÆ
- Integrate modeling, analysis, and design into one comprehensive bridge application.
- Discover OpenBridge DesignerĀ āÆ
- Design, analyze, and simulate buildings of any size, form, and complexity.
- Find out more about OpenBuildings DesignerĀ āÆ
- Connect people and information across project lifecycles for collaborative project delivery.
- See how ProjectWise can help your teamĀ āÆ
Bentley Year in Infrastructure (YII) and the Going Digital Awards is an annual event where global industry leaders come together to showcase infrastructure delivery and performance excellence and exchange visionary ideas for the future. Find out more on the YII site.
