By Ashley Karen
As 90% of the tunneling work from Dairy Circle to Nagawara has been completed, Bengaluru’s aspiring Pink Line metro project attained a considerable milestone.
The breakthrough at Kadugondanahalli (KG Halli) station by the TBM Tunga celebrates the completion of 1,184.4 meters, contributing to the overall completion of 18,832.3 meters out of the total 20,992 meters on the Pink Line.
Tunga, the German-made Herrenknecht tunnel boring machine, was launched in July 2021 and took 13 months to tunnel 1,264 meters between Venkateshpura and Tannery Road. With its recent breakthrough, Tunga is set to undergo a drag-through operation before starting its third drive of 935 meters from KG Halli to Nagavara, expected to begin in mid-January.
Nevertheless, Bhadra, the last tunnel boring machine, is now working on the second tunnel from Venkateshpura to KG Halli, with a breakthrough envisioned by January-end.
Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) intends to finish the Pink Line by March 2025. Despite challenges, like hard rock terrain, the nine TBMs deployment has resulted in considerable progress. The tunneling phase completion sets the stage for upcoming civil works, revealing the city’s commitment to infrastructural development amidst India’s fastest-growing major economy status.
Yet, with the expectation of both tunnel boring machines finishing their tasks by May 2024, the BMRCL is on track to fulfill its project deadlines. The interconnected Pink Line is a critical addition to Bengaluru’s metro network, linking essential locations and contributing to the city’s growing infrastructural landscape.
Once the metro is operational, it is envisioned to increase connectivity, ease commuter transit, and stimulate additional development of the region.
