TBM Narmada achieves First Tunnel Breakthrough for Surat Metro Rail Project

Surat, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant milestone for Surat Metro Phase 1's ambitious 22.77 km Line-1 (Sarthana – Dream City), the Tunnel Boring Machine (nicknamed TBM Narmada) S78, operated by Gulermak – Sam India Builtwell JV, has achieved its first "hidden" breakthrough at Labheshwar Chowk Station.

The refurbished Terratec earth pressure balance (EPB) machine, affectionately known as Narmada, embarked on its mission in December 2022, tasked with constructing the down-line tunnel from Kapodra Station's western shaft. Over the course of 12 months, it traversed approximately 1.5 km westward, reaching the distinctive 4-level Labheshwar Chowk Station's box. Notably, the excavation at this station will commence only after both Narmada and its counterpart, S94 (nicknamed Tapi), pass through.

Gulermak – Sam India Builtwell JV's Project Manager, Deniz Buyukgokmen, shared an insightful graphic illustrating the construction progress of the station and the current position of TBM S78 within Labheshwar Chowk Station. The station, which will boast two platform levels and two concourse levels at a depth of 30 meters, is a key component of Surat Metro's Phase 1.

TBM S78, previously deployed in Pune Metro's Phase 1 project under the Gulermak – Tata Projects JV, is set to construct a total of six tunnels for the 3.46 km Package CS2 / UG1. This contract, awarded in March 2021 by the Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC), encompasses not only tunnel construction but also the development of three stations: Kapodra, Labheshwar Chowk, and Central Warehouse.

Following closely behind S78, TBM S94 is expected to follow the same trajectory, ultimately being retrieved from Surat Railway Station's eastern shaft. As the excavation progresses at Labheshwar Chowk and Central Warehouse stations, workers will meticulously unearth and dismantle the tunnel rings meticulously crafted by both machines.

In essence, this breakthrough signifies a remarkable stride in Surat Metro's journey towards enhancing its urban transportation infrastructure. The synchronized efforts of these TBMs are laying the foundation for efficient and modern underground connectivity, aligning with the broader vision of Surat's urban development.

The successful breakthrough at Labheshwar Chowk Station marks a pivotal moment in the Surat Metro Phase 1 project. With TBMs like Narmada and Tapi spearheading tunnel construction, Surat is poised for a transformative shift in its urban transportation landscape. The commitment of Gulermak – Sam India Builtwell JV to deliver on the Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation's vision is evident, and as excavation progresses, the anticipation for Surat's metro future continues to build.

For more detailed information and updates on Surat Metro's groundbreaking achievements, please stay tuned.