On Track to Success: Kanpur Metro's Rapid Tunnel Construction Update

Kanpur, India (Metro Rail Today): The Kanpur Metro Rail Project achieves significant milestones as tunnel and track construction operations are in full swing beneath the Chunniganj-Nayaganj underground section, falling under Corridor-1 (IIT-Naubasta).

Track Construction Completion in 'Up-Line' Tunnel Segment

In a commendable stride forward, the track construction work in the 'up-line' of the approximately 1 km long underground tunnel between Bada Chauraha and Nayaganj Metro Station has reached completion. Simultaneously, the track construction in the 'down line' of this stretch is nearing its conclusion. The successful completion of track construction between these two pivotal stations marks the initiation of the rail track laying process between Chunniganj and Bada Chauraha in the coming days.

Utilizing Innovative Infrastructure Techniques

Similar to the elevated section, the Kanpur Metro's underground segment incorporates a ballast-less track system. This innovative approach involves laying, welding, and casting the track slab after lowering the rail in the underground station. The use of ballast-less track ensures minimal maintenance requirements and an extended life cycle. To enhance passenger experience, a Mass Spring System is integrated under the track to absorb vibrations and reduce noise. Additionally, provisions for Derailment Guard and Third Rail installation have been implemented.

'Nana' TBM Machine Marks Progress

The 'Nana' Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), responsible for constructing a 414-meter tunnel on the 'up-line' from MacRobertganj towards the under-construction Chunniganj station, has successfully completed its Initial Drive. This remarkable achievement involves the completion of an 85-meter-long tunnel, following which the machine is stopped, and the connection to the Backup System Unit is initiated.

The Backup System Unit, functioning as the control room for the TBM machine, houses all auxiliary systems. As the Backup System Unit is lowered into the launching shaft and connected to the shield of the TBM machine, the Main Drive will commence. The Main Drive, facilitated by the loco pilot, oversees the excavation process through motorized trolleys for the delivery of ring-segments and soil evacuation after mining.

Multipronged Tunnel Construction Endeavors

Under the Chunniganj-Nayaganj underground section, the 'Tatya' TBM machine is concurrently involved in tunnel construction work on the 'down line' from McRobertganj towards the under-construction Chunniganj station. Remarkably, approximately 3 km of tunnel construction work has been completed in this section between Chunniganj and Nayaganj station. Additional tunnel construction activities are underway, with 'Azad' and 'Vidyarthi' TBM machines engaged in a stretch of about 1250 meters between Kanpur Central to Nayaganj in the Kanpur Central - Transport Nagar underground section.

As Kanpur Metro makes substantial progress, currently operating commercial services on a 9 km long Priority Corridor (IIT-Motijheel), anticipation builds for the extended network, including the Chunniganj-Nayaganj and Kanpur Central-Transport Nagar underground sections, and the Baradevi-Naubasta elevated section, covering approximately 23.78 km under Corridor-1 (IIT-Naubasta).

The Kanpur Metro Rail Project continues to carve a path of innovation and efficiency, propelling the city's metro infrastructure to new heights.