The ‘Vidyarthi’ tunnel boring machine (TBM) was launched on Monday to construct a tunnel on the ‘downline’ on a 2.40 km stretch (Swadeshi Cotton Mill-Kanpur Central) of Corridor-1 (IIT-Naubasta) of the Kanpur Metro Rail Project. While another TBM ‘Azad’ is already working on the ‘up-line’ of this stretch. Now, construction of both— ‘up-line’ and ‘downline’ tunnels, will proceed simultaneously on this final underground stretch of Corridor-1.
The ‘Azad’ TBM has completed its initial drive on the up-line and its main drive has now commenced after being connected to the backup system unit. Additionally, a locomotive has been deployed to transport ring segments to the TBM in the under-construction tunnel.Managing director of UP Metro Rail Corporation Limited (UPMRC) Sushil Kumar stated, “Kanpur Metro has launched the ‘Vidyarthi’ TBM on the ‘downline’ for construction of a tunnel from the ramp area near Swadeshi Cotton Mill to Kanpur Central Metro Station.
Once both tunnels on this stretch are completed, the tunnelling work for Corridor-1 will be finalised.” Currently, Kanpur Metro passenger services operate on the 9 km Priority Corridor (IIT-Motijheel) within the approximately 24 km long Corridor-1 (IIT-Naubasta).
