First TBM for Swargate-Katraj underground Metro expected in Pune in January, tunnelling to follow

Pune: Excavation of the tunnel on the Swargate-Katraj underground Metro extension is expected to begin in January. The first of four tunnel boring machines (TBMs) is due to reach Pune then. Once the launching shaft at Swargate is ready, the machine will start work.

The extension is part of the Pimpri Chinchwad-Swargate Metro corridor. The entire 5.46-km stretch from Swargate to Katraj will run underground. The tunnel will be dug from both ends at the same time, with two TBMs working from Swargate and two from Katraj. The four machines are expected to meet at Padmavati.

The machines will work about 28 metres below ground level. Because the ground along the route is rocky, Mahametro has set a target of about 10 metres of tunnel a day for each TBM. The target is based on the experience Mahametro gained while building the first phase of the Pune Metro.

Preparatory work has already begun. Excavation of a shaft has started at Market Yard station. Machinery and other material needed for the tunnel and related construction will be lowered through this shaft. When the launching shaft at Swargate is complete, a TBM will be assembled there and lowered underground. Excavation will begin from that spot.

When the work is complete, Metro services will run directly to Katraj and connectivity in south Pune will improve. Commuters in Katraj, Market Yard and Padmavati are expected to benefit from the larger Metro network. The project is also expected to help ease traffic congestion in the southern part of the city.

The start of tunnelling depends on two things: the first TBM reaching Pune in January and the launching shaft at Swargate being ready. With shaft excavation already under way at Market Yard, preparation for the next stage is continuing. When the four machines meet at Padmavati after working from both ends, the underground stretch is expected to have progressed.