TBM Yamuna records first breakthrough for Agra Metro Rail Project

Agra, India (Metro Rail Today): The engineers of Afcons Infrastructure and SAM India Builtwell have recorded first tunnel breakthrough of Agra Metro Rail project at Agra Fort Metro Station today. The Robbins make Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM 215-323, nicknamed ‘Yamuna’) achieved its first breakthrough by making 239 rings (334m) from the crossover at Ramleela Maidan to Agra Fort just in 77 days.

This is the first tunnel boring machine which was launched in February this year by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The TBM will construct about 7.93 km section between RBS College Ramp and Taj Mahal Ramp of 14.25 km Line 1 of Agra Metro Rail Project under package AGCC-02.

Speaking on the occasion, Sushil Kumar, Managing Director, Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) said, “This is a important milestone as first tunnel section out of three section has been completed. We are striving to commence metro operations 6 months ahead of schedule, i.e. March 2024 instead of actual deadline of August 2024. The three Elevated stations & train depot are almost ready. The testing & commissioning of three trains are under progress at train depot at high speed test track”

"The TBM breakthrough is one of the most challenging achievements in a metro project which requires high accuracy and ultimate precision. UPMRC, after achieving breakthrough in a record time in Lucknow and Kanpur is carrying the same legacy in Agra as well of completion of deadlines in a record time, before schedule," said the statement issued by UPMRC.

The TBM , after its first breakthrough at Agra Fort Metro Station will go on to construct tunnel till Taj Mahal Metro Station. 

Back in March 2022, UPMRC has awarded a contract worth Rs 1,819.79 crore for Afcons Infrastructure – SAM India to construct 7.93 km underground tunnel in 48 months.

"After TBM ‘Yamuna’, TBM ‘Ganga’ which was launched recently is also operating efficiently for second tunnel and is likely to achieve its first breakthrough very soon," said statement.

According to plan, a metro network of 29.4 km long two corridors is to be built in Tajnagari, which will have 27 stations. The construction work of the 14 km long first corridor between Taj East Gate and Sikandra is going on at a fast pace. A total of 13 stations (6 elevated & 7 underground) will be constructed in this corridor. A metro car depot is being constructed for this corridor in the PAC premises. Along with this, a 16 km metro corridor between Agra Cantt to Kalindi Vihar will be constructed. This corridor will have 14 elevated stations.