TBM Shivaji lowered at RBS Ramp of Agra Metro Rail Project

Agra, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant stride towards the realization of the Agra Metro Phase 1 project, Afcons Infrastructure – SAM India Joint Venture has initiated tunneling works at the RBS Ramp, with the tunnel boring machine (TBM) Shivaji being lowered into position.

TBM Shivaji, a formidable Ø6.63m diameter Herrenknecht earth pressure balance (EPB) machine, is a pivotal component of Package AGCC-02, tasked with connecting the RBS College Ramp to Taj Mahal Ramp on Line-1. This 7.93 km stretch marks a crucial phase in Agra's metro development.

TBM Shivaji's Impressive Track Record

This TBM has already made its mark by completing the construction of 228m twin tunnels between the Taj Mahal Station and the Taj Mahal Ramp on Fatehabad Road. Notably, it achieved tunnel breakthroughs in October and December 2023, showcasing its efficiency and reliability.

Transported on a trailer to north Agra, TBM Shivaji is now poised for its next endeavor. Commissioned for Package AGCC-02, it will undertake the construction of a roughly 2.2 km tunnel from RBS College Ramp towards Agra College Interchange Station. Along this route, it is set to achieve two tunnel breakthroughs at RBS College Station and Raja Ki Mandi Station.

Project Details and Consortium's Role

Awarded the civil construction contract for Package AGCC-02 in March 2022 by the Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC), the Afcons – Sam India Consortium is entrusted with a project worth Rs. 1819.79 crore and a deadline of 48 months. Their scope covers twin tunnels connecting seven stations, namely the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Jama Masjid, SN Medical College, Agra College, Raja Ki Mandi, and RBS College.

The tunneling operations, which began at the Priority Corridor's underground section (Jama Masjid – Taj Mahal Ramp) in December 2023, have now shifted to RBS Ramp – Jama Masjid. The Afcons' tunneling team is poised to achieve a total of 10 breakthroughs in this section, underscoring their commitment to project milestones.

Architectural Finishing at Taj Mahal Station

In a parallel development, architectural finishing works are underway inside Taj Mahal Station along the Priority Corridor. The station, strategically planned for an opening before the 2024 Lok Sabha General Elections, is a testament to the holistic approach towards timely completion and operational readiness.

As Agra Metro unfolds its intricate network, the commencement of tunneling at RBS Ramp attests to the collaborative efforts driving this transformative project forward.