GMRC launches 6.5-km tunneling of metro project

The construction work of the underground (UG) section of Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project, Phase-1 of GMRC starting from Apparel Park Depot and going up to Shahpur, with a stretch of 6.5 km, and 4 underground stations at Kalupur, Kankaria, GheeKanta and Shahpur of East-West Corridor, is in full swing. The UG section has been divided into two contracts: 2.5 Km of UG-1 contract has been awarded to Afcons Infrastructure and 4.0 Km of UG-2 project to L&T for construction of stations and tunneling. Currently, 4 TBMs are working in the UG sections of GMRC, which is being constructed by GMRC UG-1 contractor Afcons Infrastructure, which also launched the 1st TBM (5-710). The two TBMs of M/s Afcons, TBM 1 & TBM 2 (with diameter of 6.63 meters) have completed twin tunnels (Up & Down) from Apparel Park depot to Kalupur UG Station over the period of time. The tunneling work was carried out at the rate of 6 to 7 meter/day on an average, in spite of challenging geological conditions in the densely populated old Ahmedabad area of Gomtipur, Sarangpur, Kankaria east and Saraspur. Both these TBMs have done breakthrough work in the shaft of Kalupur UG station, and has marked the completion of TBM work in this UG 1 project portion by GMRC and other works like cross passage. First stage concrete for track plinth will commence very shortly.