TBM Vidyarthi begins tunneling work for Kanpur Metro Expansion

Kanpur, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant stride towards the completion of the ambitious Kanpur Metro Phase 1 project, Afcons Infrastructure has quietly unveiled its fourth tunnel boring machine (TBM), named Vidyarthi (S-639B). The launch took place in late December, marking a crucial step in the construction of the underground package KNPCC-06, spanning from Nayaganj Station to Transport Nagar Ramp.

The chosen TBM, a Herrenknecht Earth Pressure Balance machine, is a vital asset for the 32.38 km Kanpur Metro Phase 1 project. Its primary task is to construct a 23.785 km Line-1, linking IIT Kanpur and Naubasta. Interestingly, this TBM has a history, having been previously deployed in Kolkata for the up-line tunnel of Kolkata Metro’s Line-2 between Howrah Maidan and Esplanade. In June 2017, it successfully passed beneath the Hooghly River before being refurbished at Afcons’ yard in Butibori, Maharashtra, where it underwent factory acceptance tests (FAT) in June 2023.

The deployment of TBM Vidyarthi began in September 2023, as Afcons’ team meticulously lowered its parts into Kanpur Central Station’s shaft. The initial focus is on building a 1250m long underground tunnel for the down-line, extending from Kanpur Central Station towards Nayaganj Station. Impressively, Vidyarthi has already completed the construction of eight temporary and at least twelve permanent rings (1 ring = 1.4m wide) for its initial drive, with plans to lower and attach its back-up gantry for the main drive.

The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) played a crucial role in propelling this project forward. In March 2022, UPMRC awarded Afcons – SAM JV the contract for the 4.65 km KNPCC-06, stipulating a 36-month deadline and a contract value of Rs. 1087.67 crore (INR 1062,02,00,000 + EURO 29,00,000). This specific section connects Nayaganj Station and Transport Nagar Ramp, traversing through three underground stations at Kanpur Central, Jhakarkatti, and Transport Nagar.

Afcons' first tunnel boring machine, TBM Azad (S-640B), is concurrently working on the parallel up-line tunnel, having commenced tunneling in October. As of now, it has successfully constructed 190 rings, showcasing substantial progress towards its total scope of approximately 800 rings.

The launch of TBM Vidyarthi is a pivotal moment in the Kanpur Metro Phase 1 project, underscoring Afcons Infrastructure's commitment to efficient and timely execution. As these sophisticated machines continue to carve through the subterranean depths, the vision of a modern and well-connected Kanpur inches closer to reality. With Afcons at the helm, the metro expansion project is on track, shaping the future of urban mobility in Uttar Pradesh.