The UG1 contract for the 3.89 km-long central Calcutta to Howrah Maidan section of Kolkata metro, with three underground stations, has been awarded to Afcons Infrastructure (India) and Transtonnelstroy (Russia), value EUR155.4 million (Rs9.38 billion). The stretch includes a 2,954 m-long tunnel, with 520 m under the Hooghly river, 30 m beneath the water surface and 15 m below the river bed. This is India's first underwater train tunnel. Contract duration is 42 months. Dubai-based firm Atkins will provide consultancy services for the tunnel work, which includes monitoring and studying the impact of tunnelling on the buildings and structure above ground. Visit www.afcons.com and www.atkins-me.co. 13/10.
