Metro Railway Kolkata has initiated significant preparatory steps for the construction of the underground section of the Joka-Esplanade Metro, also known as the Purple Line. Scheduled to span 5 kilometers, this phase involves the arrival and assembly of tunnel boring machines (TBMs) from Germany by January next year.
According to Metro Railway officials, the TBMs, manufactured by Herrenknecht, will commence operations in March 2025, beginning from a shaft located within St Thomas’ Boys School in Kidderpore. The commencement of diaphragm wall construction, crucial for facilitating the TBM’s entry and excavation, began last Thursday. Spanning 65 meters in length, this D-wall inside the school premises is expected to be completed within two months.Simultaneously, the construction of another diaphragm wall for Victoria station is underway, with VNL and L&T contractors actively involved. Engineers anticipate integrating this D-wall into the station box structure, further enhancing the project’s infrastructure.
The section of tunnels from Park Street to Esplanade will utilize the cut-and-cover method due to the necessity of constructing a crossover between the two stations. Unlike TBMs, which operate linearly, the cut-and-cover method allows for the creation of crossovers essential for operational flexibility.At RVNL’s casting yard in Sarkarpool, preparations are also underway with the production of 1.4-meter-wide precast segments for the tunnel. These segments, each vital for building a ring with an inner diameter of 5.8 meters, are integral to the structural integrity and operational efficiency of the Metro expansion.The development marks a crucial milestone in Kolkata’s metro network expansion, promising enhanced connectivity and convenience for commuters across the city. With meticulous planning and execution, Metro Railway Kolkata aims to adhere to project timelines and deliver a robust transportation solution for the bustling metropolitan area.
