By Lynda Myer
The first tunnel breakthrough of the TBM EPB, named Ganga, for the Agra Metro Phase 1 project was celebrated by Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) and the consortium Afcons Infrastructure – SAM India on 2th June 2023. Being commissioned 45days ago from Ramleela Maidan, the Robbins TBM EPB with 6.52m diameter and 95m long, reached Agra Fort Station having installed 239 rings (334m), completing the first section of the second tunnel.
Also between 4 TBMs launched in mid-April 2023 for the construction package AGCC-02 among RBS College Ramp – Taj Mahal Ramp, Ganga is the 2nd one. In order to Design and Construction of the Tunnel from the start of the underground ramp (near Fatehabad Road Metro station) to end of the ramp after the RBS college Metro station which includes 7 underground metro stations (viz. Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Jama Masjid, S.N. Medical college, Agra college, Raja ki Mandi and RBS college), in March 2022 the Afcons – SAM Consortium awarded the EUR205.33 million (INR18.20 bn) AGCC-02 contract, while the contract includes Architectural finishes, E&M, TVS and ECS.
Additionally, in April the first TBM Yamuna, driving the parallel tunnel, following its 77days journey reached the same shaft. Responsibility of constructing around 3 km of tunnels in Agra will be up to each one of TBM Yamuna and TBM Ganga. Currently, TBM Ganga is due to be moved through Agra Fort’s station box and relaunched towards the Taj Mahal Station.
