FCC

Kanpur Metro: Third TBM Lowered for Underground Construction

2023-08-29

The process of fully descending all components of the third Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) into the launching shaft beneath the ongoing construction of Kanpur Central Metro station has been successfully accomplished. The final segment of the TBM, known as the 'Tail Shield', was carefully placed into the 18-meter deep, 21-meter long, and 25-meter wide launching shaft.

This TBM marks the third machine employed in the Kanpur Metro Rail project and holds the distinction of being the pioneer TBM for the subterranean section connecting Kanpur Central and Transport Nagar. This particular machine will facilitate the construction of an approximately 1250-meter tunnel along the 'Upline' from Kanpur Central to Nayaganj.

In the imminent future, an additional TBM will be lowered into the Kanpur Central-Transport Nagar underground stretch, spanning around 4.24 kilometers, for excavation work in the 'downline'.

The procedure for positioning the TBM within the launching shaft of the in-progress Kanpur Central Metro station commenced with the initial lowering of the approximately 120-ton 'front shield'. Subsequently, the cutterhead, middle shield, and screw conveyor were sequentially introduced below the surface. Once within the launching shaft, these TBM components will be meticulously aligned, and mechanical elements and wiring will be interconnected to finalize the assembly. Following this process, the TBM machine will be stationed along the 'upline' to forge a tunnel spanning 1250 meters. Subsequently, the machine will be initiated for excavation in the forthcoming days.