NEWS – Namma Metro’s Pink Line Tunnelling Deadline at Risk Due to Rocky Terrain Challenges

HIGHLIGHTS

Overview

• Project at Risk: The underground tunneling for Bengaluru Metro’s Pink Line faces delays.
• Challenges: Rocky terrain encountered by Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) may extend the project timeline beyond the August 2024 deadline.

TBMs Deployment and Progress

• Nine TBMs Deployed: BMRCL utilized nine Tunnel Boring Machines for the project.
  • Successful Completions: Seven TBMs (Urja, Varada, Avni, Lavi, Vindhya, Vamika, and Rudra) have finished their tasks.
  • Ongoing Work: TBMs Tunga and Bhadra are still operational.

Specifics of Tunga and Bhadra

• Tunga’s Task: Final push from K.G. Halli to Nagavara, covering 935 meters.
• Bhadra’s Task: Digging a 939-meter tunnel northbound from K.G. Halli to Nagavara.
• Challenges Encountered: Both TBMs are facing rocky terrain which is slowing progress.
  • Expected Progress: Normally 5 kilometers per day.
  • Current Progress: Reduced to 3 kilometers per day due to rock formations.

Impact on Timeline

• Potential Delays: The rocky terrain could result in missing the original deadline.
  • Anticipated Delay: A few days beyond the initial August 2024 deadline.

Lengthiest Underground Section of Pink Line

• Project Scope: Pink Line spans 21.26 km from Kalena Agrahara to Nagavara.
  • Underground Segment: 13.76 km, making it the longest underground section of the Bengaluru metro.
  • Twin Tunnels: 20.992 km of twin tunnels under construction.
  • Stations: 18 stations, including 12 underground and six elevated stations, nearing completion.

Historical Delays

• Previous Challenges:
  • Tender Cancellation: Due to high bids.
  • Alignment Changes: Required before final approval.
  • Land Acquisition: Issues led to delays.
• Current Expectations: Entire stretch may open in 2025 due to cumulative delays.