A 90m-long, 650-tonne tunnel boring machine (TBM) from India has arrived in Kolkata, despite land acquisition issues at Kidderpore station. L&T, awarded a ₹2,447 crore underground package by Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd, has started full-scale work on the underground tunneling project, excavating a 1.7 km stretch from St Thomas’ to Victoria.
650-Tonne TBM Reaches Kolkata for Purple Line Tunneling
Kolkata, a city known for its rich heritage and growing metro network, has welcomed a new Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) to expedite the underground tunneling work for the East-West Metro’s Purple Line extension. The colossal 650-tonne machine has been brought in to accelerate the progress of one of the most challenging metro projects in the city, marking a significant milestone in Kolkata’s urban transportation development.
Arrival and Deployment of the TBM
The TBM, shipped from its manufacturing facility, has arrived in Kolkata to assist in the tunneling work between the proposed Esplanade and Howrah Maidan sections of the Purple Line. This sophisticated machinery, engineered for precision and efficiency, is expected to enhance the pace of the underground metro corridor, which will serve as a crucial connection between the eastern and western parts of the city.
The machine, which will be assembled on-site before commencing operations, is designed to navigate through complex geological conditions, including loose soil and waterlogged regions, ensuring minimal disruption to the surface infrastructure. It will be instrumental in constructing twin tunnels beneath the Hooghly River, making it a vital component of the ambitious metro project.
Enhancing Kolkata’s Metro Network
The extension of the Purple Line is a game-changer for Kolkata’s metro network, promising to improve connectivity and reduce travel time for thousands of daily commuters. Once operational, the extended corridor will integrate seamlessly with other metro routes, providing enhanced accessibility to key commercial and residential areas.
The Purple Line will cater to high footfall zones such as Howrah, one of the busiest railway stations in India, and Esplanade, a central hub for business and trade. This metro extension is expected to alleviate traffic congestion significantly, offering a faster and more sustainable transit alternative.
Technical Challenges and Advancements
The deployment of a 650-tonne TBM highlights the technical complexity of the project. Given the challenging geological conditions, advanced engineering techniques are being employed to ensure the safety and stability of the underground structure. The tunneling process will involve cutting through various layers of soil, sand, and rock while maintaining strict structural integrity.
To mitigate any risks of subsidence or disruptions to heritage structures along the route, engineers are using state-of-the-art monitoring systems to track ground movements and ensure the safety of nearby buildings. The TBM’s ability to bore through diverse soil compositions while simultaneously installing tunnel segments makes it a crucial asset in the successful completion of this metro extension.
Expected Timeline and Future Impact
Authorities have emphasized the importance of completing the project on schedule, aiming for significant progress within the next year. Once the tunneling work is complete, track installation and station development will follow, paving the way for a fully functional Purple Line extension.
The impact of this metro expansion extends beyond improved transportation; it is expected to boost economic activities by enhancing connectivity between key business districts and residential areas. Additionally, the environmental benefits of reduced vehicular congestion and lower emissions will contribute to Kolkata’s sustainability goals.
The arrival of the 650-tonne TBM in Kolkata marks a pivotal step in the city’s metro expansion. As the Purple Line extension progresses, it is set to redefine urban mobility in Kolkata, offering residents a faster, safer, and more efficient mode of transport. With advanced tunneling technology and strategic planning, the city is moving closer to realizing a world-class metro network that aligns with its growing infrastructural needs.
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Construction, Infrastructure and Mining
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