Kanpur (Metro Rail News): The Kanpur Metro project progressed as the Afcons – Sam India consortium launched the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) Vidyarthi from Transport Nagar station toward Kanpur Central on Line 1. This work is being carried out under Kanpur Metro’s underground package KNPCC-06 which connects Nayaganj Station with Transport Nagar Ramp.
TBM S-639B, nicknamed Vidyarthi is an Earth Pressure Balance machine manufactured by Herrenknecht. This machine was commissioned in January 2024 as the 4th TBM for Kanpur Metro Phase 1. TBM Vidyarthi’s task involves constructing tunnel on 23.78 km long Line-1 which connects IIT Kanpur to Naubasta.
TBM Vidyarthi’s Journey in Kanpur Metro
First Assignment:
TBM Vidyarthi completed its first assignment in June 2024 where it constructed an underground tunnel of about 1,250 meters (down line) between Kanpur Central Station and Nayaganj Station.
Second Assignment:
In its second assignment which was completed in November 2024, TBM Vidyarthi built an approximately 331-meter-long tunnel stretching from the ramp near Swadesh Cotton Mills to Transport Nagar Station.
Current Assignment:
For its third assignment, TBM Vidyarthi will build an underground tunnel from Transport Nagar Station to Kanpur Central Station through Jhakarkati.
Package KNPCC-06
The Afcons—Sam India consortium secured underground Package KNPCC-06 from Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) at Rs. 1087.67 crore. This contract has a 36-month deadline.
This Package will connect Nayaganj Station and Transport Nagar Ramp through 3 underground stations: Kanpur Central, Jhakarkatti and Transport Nagar Station.
