In a pioneering move, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has successfully implemented box-pushing technology to construct a tunnel beneath the Nagawara flyover.
This innovative approach, a first for BMRCL, is part of the Namma Metro’s Pink Line project, which involves creating a 77-metre tunnel connecting the upcoming Nagawara interchange Metro station. The Pink Line, which links Kalena Agrahara with Nagawara, intersects with the Blue Line that extends from Central Silk Board to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), passing through Nagawara station. An official from BMRCL highlighted that the presence of numerous utilities, including water and power cables, and telephone lines, posed significant challenges to using traditional tunnel-boring machines (TBMs) under the Nagawara flyover. The adoption of box-pushing technology was critical to avoiding disruptions to traffic at this major junction on Outer Ring Road (ORR), a vital route to KIA and several tech parks.
“Eight precast boxes were pushed below a span of the flyover using hydraulic jacks. We have already completed the task. This was done on the south side of the upcoming Nagawara station. This methodology has been used for the first time in Namma Metro,” the official said, adding that it took almost six months to carry out the work.
The Pink Line project includes a comprehensive tunnel network from Dairy Circle to Nagawara. Out of the planned 21 kilometres of dual-line tunnels, 19.7 kilometres have been successfully completed. BMRCL deployed nine TBMs for the project, with seven having completed their tasks. The remaining two machines, named Tunga and Bhadra, are on the final stretch towards Nagawara station, expected to emerge 150 metres before the station. The completion of the remaining tunnel work is anticipated by the end of the year.
In parallel, the Blue Line project involves constructing an elevated track via Nagawara on ORR. At the Nagawara interchange, the concourse of the elevated Blue Line station will be positioned 18 metres above the underground Pink Line station. According to BMRCL officials, approximately 75% of the civil construction work for the Nagawara underground stations has been completed. Once operational, this interchange station will significantly benefit commuters travelling towards KIA and KR Pura. Additionally, the Pink Line will offer several interchange facilities, enhancing connectivity across the metro network. Key interchange points include JP Nagar with the Orange Line, Jayadeva with the Yellow Line, and MG Road with the Purple Line. This strategic implementation of box-pushing technology underscores BMRCL’s commitment to innovative engineering solutions, ensuring minimal disruption to existing infrastructure and traffic flow while advancing Bangalore’s metro connectivity.
