Ahmedabad: Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project has launched the 4th Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) for Underground section of the Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project Phase-I. Launching was done near Kalupur Metro Station,where the proposed integration of Bullet Train (High Speed Rail), Metro and Railway has been planned considering upcoming future infrastructure as it will become an important public transport hub.

TBM launching shaft is opposite to Railway station building(at the earlier campus of R C Technical School)of the 6.5 km Underground Section of the project.

MD/MEGA explained that Priority Reach viaduct had been completed and track and traction related works are going on. 6 stations of priority reach are at advanced stage of completion. At Apparel Park depot, work is nearly completed and will be ready for operations by first week of October 2018. MD/MEGA briefed that due to litigation in High Court /Supreme Court by an unsuccessful bidder (CRRC, China) of Rolling Stock tender, which caused delay of nearly 15 months.

In the North-South reach, work has started from both ends and viaduct has been completed in nearly 5 km stretch. The RCC works of three stations is also at an advanced stage.
In the Western Reach,more than 2 km of viaduct has been completed and another 2 km is at advanced stage where launching work is in progress.A bridge is being constructed parallel to Gandhi Bridge from where elevated viaduct will go underground near Shahpur after crossing the river.Three TBMs have so far bored nearly 0.6 km of tunnel.

MD MEGA thanked the Chairman &members of National Monument Authority who after detailed review and diligence had approved the underground section passing through the regulated zone of 10 ASI protected monuments. MD/MEGA briefed that detailed vibration studies had been carried out and National Monument Authority was satisfied with the arrangements and future plan for protecting ASI monuments in this World Heritage City.

DeshGujarat