From creating a station to displaying every minute aspect of the design, the Chennai Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL) has used building information modelling (BIM) to develop 3D images of the project before commencing the actual construction work.

According to CMRL, Rudrabhishek Enterprises Ltd has been given the BIM contract.

CMRL said the contractor would build a 3D model of all stations, tunnels and viaducts, which will help avoid any design issue. From the location of a cable to signage inside the stations, these images will display everything.

CMRL officials said issues like the infringement of structures, inadequate signage, and leaks during monsoon cropped up in the phase 1 project.

In a first, CMRL is using 3D-modelling and aims to prevent all issues that came up in phase 1 and phase 1 extension project.

The foundation stone has been laid for the phase 2 project estimated to cost Rs 61,843 crore to be built along three corridors — Madhavaram to SIPCOT, Madhavaram to Shollinganallur, and Light House to Poonamallee.

CMRL plans to commence construction work this year between Porur and Power House, and subsequently on other stretches too.