Kanpur Metro completes tunneling in Kanpur Central - Nayaganj underground section

Kanpur, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant milestone for the Kanpur Metro project, the tunnel construction between Kanpur Central and Nayaganj has been completed. The 'Vidyarthi Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) achieved a breakthrough on the 'Down Line,' completing the approximately 1250-meter tunnel stretch. This achievement follows the completion of the 'up-line' tunnel on the same stretch, marking a crucial step in extending Kanpur Metro’s underground network.

The breakthrough was met with great enthusiasm as the 'Vidyarthi' TBM arrived at Nayaganj station from Kanpur Central. The machine, which began its journey from the launching shaft at Kanpur Central in December 2023, was warmly welcomed at the retrieval shaft in Nayaganj around 10:00 am today. The event was celebrated with thunderous applause by all project participants, including senior officials from the Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (UPMRC) and the contracting agencies involved.

During its operation, the 'Vidyarthi' TBM erected a total of 838 rings, constructing a tunnel of approximately 1250 meters. This accomplishment is a testament to the advanced technology and meticulous planning that went into the project, ensuring a smooth and successful completion.

Extending Kanpur Metro's Reach

With this milestone, Kanpur Metro has now extended its underground network from Motijheel to Kanpur Central Station, passing through the ramp area near Brijendra Swaroop Park. The focus will now shift to track construction within these two 1250-meter-long tunnels, facilitating further progress in the metro expansion.

The tunnel construction on the approximately 4.24 km long Kanpur Central-Transport Nagar underground section is being executed using two TBMs, 'Azad' and 'Vidyarthi.' The initial tunnel segment from Kanpur Central to Nayaganj has been completed, and attention will now move to constructing the tunnel from the cut-and-cover area near Swadeshi Cotton Mill/Shyam Palace Cinema to Kanpur Central Station.

On this momentous occasion, Sushil Kumar, Managing Director of UPMRC, said, "Today, the 'Vidyarthi' TBM machine has completed the tunnel construction on the 'down line' from Kanpur Central to Nayaganj. With the aid of this cutting-edge technology, we have created an underground passage beneath the city's busiest thoroughfare. Following the completion of the Chunniganj–Nayaganj underground section in Corridor-1, both the 'up-line' and 'down-line' tunnels leading to Kanpur Central Station have now been finalized. Concurrently, efforts to construct stations and install systems are underway alongside tunnel construction, optimizing our time management."

Current and Future Developments

Kanpur Metro currently operates commercial services on a 9 km long Priority Corridor (IIT-Motijheel) as part of the approximately 24 km long Corridor-1 (IIT-Naubasta). In addition to the Chunniganj-Nayaganj and Kanpur Central-Transport Nagar underground sections, construction is rapidly progressing on the approximately 5 km-long Baradevi-Naubasta elevated section. The construction of the Rawatpur-Double Pulia underground section, part of the approximately 8.60 km long Corridor-2 (CSA-Barra 8), has also commenced.

The successful completion of the tunnel between Kanpur Central and Nayaganj is a pivotal achievement in the Kanpur Metro project. This development not only enhances urban mobility but also demonstrates the effective use of advanced tunneling technology. As Kanpur Metro continues to expand, it promises to significantly improve the commuting experience for the city's residents, offering a reliable and efficient mode of transportation.

The breakthrough achieved by the 'Vidyarthi' TBM in constructing the down-line tunnel from Kanpur Central to Nayaganj marks a significant milestone in the Kanpur Metro project. With the completion of this critical section, the focus will now shift to track construction and the ongoing development of other segments of the metro network. These advancements underscore Kanpur Metro's commitment to providing a world-class transportation system that enhances connectivity and convenience for its users.