Surat (Metro Rail News): On July 15, the Surat Metro project achieved a notable milestone when the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) Tapi made a breakthrough at the Central Warehouse Station on Line 1. This line connects Sarthana and Dream City.
TBM Tapi’s Journey
TBM Tapi achieved its second tunnel breakthrough under Package CS2/UG1, which covers a total distance of 3.46 km from Kapodra to Surat Railway Station. For this second assignment, TBM S78, nicknamed Tapi, began its journey from Labheshwar Chowk Station’s box. After completing its 600-meter drive, TBM reached Central Warehouse Station in 5.5 months.
For its first assignment, TBM Tapi built a 1.5 km tunnel on the up-line from Kapodra to Labheshwar Chowk. TBM Tapi’s first breakthrough was achieved in January, and it was a hidden breakthrough. This is the first time TBM S78 has shown its face since it started its journey in January 2023.
Package CS2 / UG1
In March 2021, Gulermak – Sam India JV bagged the package CS2 / UG1 from Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC).
Contract value: Rs. 1073.31 crore
Deadline: 40 Months
Apart from constructing three twin tunnels, Gulermak – Sam India JV is also carrying out the construction work of 3 underground stations at Kapodra, Labheshwar Chowk and Central Warehouse.
In March 2024, TBM Narmada completed the tunnelling on the downline from Labheshwar Chowk to Central Warehouse. To date, the Gulermak – Sam India JV has successfully constructed about 4.6 km of tunnels, covering both the Upline and Downline (2 x 2.3 km each).
Surat Metro Project
In March 2019, the Central Government approved the Surat Metro Phase 1 project. Phase 1 covers a total distance of 40.35 km through 2 corridors and 37 stations.
The first section of Phase 1 is likely to be opened by August 2024 and the entire Phase 1 is expected to be operational by 2027.
