Kanpur Metro records first tunnel breakthrough on Chunniganj-Nayaganj UG Metro stretch

Kanpur, India (Metro Rail Today): The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (UPMRCL) today achieved first tunnel breakthrough on 23.8 km long IIT Kanpur - Naubasta Metro (Orange Line) Corridor today. The Tunnel Boring Machine, nicknamed 'Nana TBM' has recorded first tunnel breakthrough at the construction site of Kanpur Metro Station near LIC Building, Phoolbagh after completing a distance of 1025 meters on the downline between Bada Chauraha to Nayaganj. This section is part of the Chunniganj-Nayaganj underground section of Kanpur Metro's first corridor.

In July this year, TBM S93 (Nana) was commissioned by Sam India Builtwell - Gulermak JV at Bada Chauraha Station for constructing the first 3.619 km underground section of 23.8 km long IIT Kanpur - Naubasta Metro (Orange Line) Corridor of Kanpur Metro Rail Project.

Starting tunneling from Bada Chauraha since 4th July 202, TBM Nana has erected 733 rings in the downline. 6 more rings will be installed after the TBM reaches the retrieval shaft at Nayaganj. In this way, the work of underground tunneling on the downline between Bada Chauraha to Nayaganj will be completed.

Completing the first phase of its underground tunnel construction, Nana TBM has recorded breakthrough near LIC Building, Phoolbagh. The TBM is passing under one of the most densely populated areas of the city, which also had many old buildings, the machine completed the challenging job with complete safety. 

Commenting on the occasion, Sushil Kumar, Acting Managing Director, UPMRC said, “This is a great achievement towards rapid infrastructure development in the city. TBM 'Nana' and 'Tatya' are leading us in fulfilling the dream of world class metro system in Kanpur. The route between Chunniganj and Nayaganj is one of the busiest routes in the city. With the help of these state-of-the-art TBMs, we have been able to construct underground tunnels passing through the heart of the city with complete safety without affecting the traffic on the roads. It is my firm belief that our team with their dedication and determination will continue to achieve the decided targets in the stipulated time in future as well.”

With this, 'Nana' TBM has completed the first stage of its underground tunneling with its arrival at the retrieval shaft at Phoolbagh-Nayaganj Metro Station. So far the machine has erected 733 rings while reaching the retrieval shaft. 6 more rings will be erected after the TBM is retrieved from the shaft. In this way, the work of underground tunneling on the 'downline' between Bada Chauraha to Nayaganj will be completed. On the other side, in the 'upline' also, 'Tatya' tunnel boring machine has constructed a tunnel up to about 615 meters while moving safely and smoothly.

The tunneling work is currently being done between Bada Chauraha to Nayaganj in the 4 km (approx) long Chunniganj-Nayaganj underground section. 'Tatya' TBM on the upline is also progressing rapidly while constructing tunnel. After reaching the retrieval shaft at Nayaganj, both the TBMs will be retrieved and will be brought back to the launching shaft at Chunniganj. From here, constructing tunnel, they will reach back to Bada Chauraha via Naveen Market.

As per the tunneling plan, TBM Nana deployed on the upline along with the refurbished TBM S92 (Tatya), on the down-line under civil contract package KNPCC-05 for a total of 4 drives each: Bada Chauraha to Nayaganj (989.5m), Permat Ramp’s cut & cover tunnel to Chunniganj (414m) Chunniganj to Naveen Market (748m) and Naveen Market to Bada Chauraha (516m).

For more details, please explore the Kanpur Metro page of Metro Rail Today.