Underground Construction - Considerations and Challenges

The article summarizes the challenges and considerations during planning, execution and commissioning of underground sections of metro. The work of fixing the alignment starts with fixing up the location of the station box, availability of the land in the close proximity of major origin/destination points or nodes which are dense passenger traffic junction is important. There are the instances when separate vacant land at these locations is not available, and in all such cases stations are planned below roads. Consideration of buildings nearby, no. of trees affected, possible traffic diversion, soil strata, utilities, access to the residents nearby are few points which are kept in mind the location of the station. Suitability from point of view of traffic integration is also a main criterion for fixing station locations. Stations are planned in such a way so as to be near established traffic interchange nodes so that they fit in the existing transport network and provide seamless intermodal transfer.