As urban populations continue to rise, public transportation systems, especially metro rail networks, are rapidly expanding to meet the needs of fast-moving, densely populated cities. At the heart of this transformation are metro stations – structures that must seamlessly blend safety, efficiency, and design.
In this dynamic landscape, LYSAGHT® by Tata BlueScope Steel, has emerged as a game-changer. Its innovative steel roofing and wall cladding solutions are redefining how metro stations are designed and constructed, making them more resilient, sustainable, and visually striking.
Let’s explore how LYSAGHT® is contributing to the evolution of modern metro stations through advanced steel roofing systems, intelligent design, and a commitment to building the future of urban infrastructure.
Meeting the Demands of Metro Station Design
Modern metro stations must meet a wide range of functional and aesthetic requirements:
- Handle heavy daily footfall and operational stress
- Deliver leak-proof performance in all-weather conditions
- Support rapid construction and strict timelines
- Align with green building standards
- Reflect the city’s design identity with architectural freedom
- Prioritise human safety
LYSAGHT® steel solutions are engineered to meet these diverse demands, making them a smart choice for next-gen metro systems.
Why Steel? Why LYSAGHT®?
Steel is one of the most reliable and adaptive materials in infrastructure construction. With a superior strength-to-weight ratio, long life span, and recyclability, it is ideal for high-traffic structures like metro stations. LYSAGHT® builds on these advantages and elevates them with:
1. Engineered Performance
LYSAGHT® roof and wall cladding systems are manufactured using ZINCALUME® steel and COLORBOND® steel – materials known for their corrosion resistance and weather tolerance. Profiles like KLIP-LOK® 700 are designed to handle wind uplift, water drainage, and flat or curved applications with complete leak-proof assurance.
LYSAGHT® profiles like KLIP-LOK® 700 and KLIP-LOK® 770 are manufactured using high-strength G550 ZINCALUME® or COLORBOND® steel with AZ150 coating, providing superior corrosion protection even in humid or polluted metro environments. These profiles are designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 44 m/s.
2. Design Versatility
Today’s metro stations are more than just transit points, they are design statements. LYSAGHT® enables architectural freedom through:
- Curved and flat roofing profiles
- Custom palettes
- Seamless integration of straight and tapered panels
- Crimped sheets for complex roof geometries
LYSAGHT® profiles such as FLEX-LOK® 400 enable curved, tapered, and bull-nose shapes, with minimum curve radii of 8 metres for steel and 4 metres for aluminium. These forms allow architects to execute bold, futuristic concepts while maintaining performance integrity.
3. Speed and Efficiency of Execution
Time is a critical factor in metro construction. LYSAGHT® profiles are:
- Designed with tight interlocking systems that ensure stability and weather tightness
- Supported with on-site detailing and phased execution planning
LYSAGHT® also enables on-site roll forming, allowing for longer sheet runs with zero end laps—especially beneficial for large metro roofing projects. This not only reduces transportation damage but also improves structural continuity and installation speed.
4. Thermal Comfort for Commuters
LYSAGHT® addresses heat gain through COLORBOND® steel with THERMATECH® solar reflectance technology. This innovation:
- Reflects more solar radiation
- Keeps roof surface temperatures lower
- Reduces cooling load on metro interiors
COLORBOND® steel with THERMATECH® solar reflectance technology can lower surface temperatures significantly and reduce annual cooling energy consumption by up to 15%, depending on insulation, orientation, and climate conditions. This makes it an optimal choice for densely populated, high-footfall metro stations.
5. Built-In Safety Standards
Safety is essential in public transport structures. LYSAGHT® delivers:
- Non-combustible materials meeting fire norms
- Secure, concealed-fix profiles that eliminate water ingress
- Designs tested for seismic and high-wind zones
All LYSAGHT® systems are tested at the LYSAGHT R&D Centre in Australia, a NATA-registered laboratory, under full-scale simulated conditions for uplift resistance, water penetration, and durability.
6. Green Building Accreditations
Today, infrastructure must be extremely efficient and must also be responsible. LYSAGHT® roof and wall cladding solutions are made from COLORBOND® steel & ZINCALUME® steel and hence, support this mission in several ways:
- 100% recyclable materials
- THERMATECH® technology for energy efficiency
- Solar panel-compatible roofing systems (non-puncturing clamps)
- Support for rainwater harvesting and sustainable site design
COLORBOND® has the following accreditations: GRIHA, Green Pro, EPD.
Total Cost of Ownership: A Long-Term Advantage
While upfront material costs matter, long-term performance matters more. LYSAGHT® solutions reduce total cost of ownership through:
LYSAGHT® products are made from high-quality coated steel that offers excellent resistance to corrosion, weathering, and fading. This ensures that the roofing and wall cladding systems retain their performance and appearance over time, without the need for frequent repainting, repairs, or surface treatments, reducing both downtime and maintenance costs.
Over time, this translates to lower lifecycle costs and better return on investment for developers and urban planners.
A One-Stop Solution for All Stakeholders
LYSAGHT® is a complete systems partner when it comes to metro station infrastructure. It offers:
- Roofing leakproof profiles like KLIP-LOK®
- Colour-coated steel wall cladding systems with aesthetic finishes
- Decking sheets for structural platforms
- Purlins, flashings, closures, fixings, etc
- Solar mounting systems designed for non-penetrative installation
- Precision detailing, phased installation planning, and technical support
This integrated offering simplifies project coordination and ensures consistency across every detail of the station, from top to sidewalls.
Final Thoughts
Metro stations are more than mere transit points – they are reflections of a city’s ambition, efficiency, and design sensibility. With its advanced colour-coated steel roof and wall cladding solutions, LYSAGHT® is redefining what metro architecture can achieve.
Whether you’re looking at structural strength, energy performance, speed of execution, or visual appeal, LYSAGHT® provides a comprehensive, trusted solution. In the journey toward building smarter and more resilient urban spaces, LYSAGHT® is truly at the heart of the metro revolution.