The Bhopal Metro Rail Project has marked a significant milestone with the successful completion of the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for its first tunnel boring machine (TBM), designated TBM 427. Manufactured by the Robbins Company, the FAT was conducted at the company's facility in Bengaluru, signalling that the machine is ready for deployment.
TBM 427 is the first of two Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) machines that will be utilized by the Kalpataru Projects International Ltd. (KPIL) – Gulermak joint venture to construct a series of three twin tunnels for the Orange Line of the Bhopal Metro. These tunnels will span a total length of 2.1 kilometres and are a key part of the metro's underground infrastructure.
The planned alignment for the tunnels will connect the ramp located south of Sindhi Colony Station to the ramp west of Aish Bagh Crossing Station. Along the way, the tunnels will pass through two underground stations: Bhopal Junction and Nadra Bus Stand, both of which are strategically significant for urban connectivity.
In March 2024, the KPIL–Gulermak JV secured the contract for Package BH-04 from the Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MPMRCL). The contract, valued at Rs. 769 crore, comes with a timeline of 42 months and represents the first and only underground section of the Phase 1 development of Bhopal Metro, which covers a total length of 27.87 kilometres.
The scope of work under Package BH-04 includes the design and construction of twin tunnels, cut-and-cover structures, and cross passages, some of which may include sump installations. The project also encompasses ramps for the two underground stations, architectural finishing, as well as the installation of water supply, sanitary systems, and drainage works across the entire underground stretch, covering chainage from CH 28375 to 31765.
This development signals a critical step forward for Bhopal Metro, moving the city closer to achieving a modern, efficient, and comprehensive urban transport system. Visit https://www.eib.org/en/projects/all/2017040. 28/25.
