TBM Narmada records its Final Tunnel Breakthrough for Surat Metro Rail Project

Surat, India (Metro Rail Today): In a momentous achievement for Surat Metro Phase 1's ambitious Line-1 project, the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) Narmada, operated by Gulermak – Sam India Builtwell JV, has successfully completed its final breakthrough at the Central Warehouse Station on March 26, 2024.

"After Labheshwar Station, TBM S78 (Narmada) has just arrived at the Central Warehouse Station (the 3rd station of our project) and completed the breakthrough successfully on 26.03.2024. Till today, S78 has erected 1642 precast segment rings (totaling 2298 meters). After dragging through at the Central Warehouse Station, it will re-start for the mining of the remaining 388 meters of tunnel portion," stated Gulermak – Sam India Builtwell JV's Project Manager, Deniz Buyukgokmen, on LinkedIn.

The refurbished Terratec earth pressure balance (EPB) machine, affectionately known as Narmada, commenced its mission in December 2022, tasked with constructing the down-line tunnel from Kapodra Station's western shaft.

Earlier in January, TBM Narmada achieved its first hidden tunnel breakthrough at Labheshwar Station after covering a distance of 1.5 kilometers.

TBM S78, previously deployed in Pune Metro's Phase 1 project under the Gulermak – Tata Projects JV, is designated to construct a total of six tunnels for the 3.46 km Package CS2 / UG1. Awarded in March 2021 by the Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC), this contract includes tunnel construction and the development of three stations: Kapodra, Labheshwar Chowk, and Central Warehouse.

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

This breakthrough signifies a remarkable stride in Surat Metro's endeavor to enhance its urban transportation infrastructure. The synchronized efforts of these TBMs lay the foundation for efficient and modern underground connectivity, aligning with Surat's broader urban development vision.

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