Patna Metro's TBM Mahavir successfully completes initial drive

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Patna, India (Metro Rail Today): The construction work of the underground metro station and tunnel in Corridor II of Patna Metro Rail Project is progressing rapidly. We are pleased to announce that the first Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM 1), stationed at Moin Ul Haq underground metro station, has successfully completed its 85-meter journey. Currently, the initial drive for the construction work of the underground metro station is underway here. The main drive commenced on 21 July, 2023 after the TBM completed 85 meters of its journey. The process of adding backup and gantries to the TBM to start the main drive is estimated to take about 20 days.

It is worth noting that the construction of the underground metro line using the tunnel boring machine involves three main stages. The first stage is the initial (primary) drive, during which the TBM starts excavating the tunnel from the launching shaft. In this stage, the initial/temporary ring segments are manually fitted, allowing the thrust jacks in the machine to propel the TBM forward with the assistance of these temporary ring segments. Subsequently, the TBM reaches the main drive phase, where it constructs the tunnel by installing permanent ring segments along with the excavation process.

The tunnel boring machine is divided into different parts. The most forward part of the TBM, known as the front shield, contains the cutting head, which helps the TBM dig the tunnel by cutting through the soil. Additionally, there is a system for spraying a special type of chemical on the soil through a nozzle mounted on the cutting head. This chemical prevents the soil from sticking to the cutter head and allows it to move easily to the rear of the machine via a conveyor belt. From there, the soil is transported out of the tunnel using a trolley and sent to the dumping area.

The completion of the initial drive marks a significant milestone in the Patna Metro Rail Project's progress. We remain committed to delivering a modern and efficient metro system that will transform the city's transportation landscape.

To know more about the project, please explore Patna Metro page of Metro Rail Today.