In a significant development for Agra’s urban transport, the tunnelling work of the Agra Metro, stretching from the eastern gate of the Taj Mahal to Jama Masjid, has reached completion.
On December 30, this underground section successfully underwent testing, marking a milestone in the project. According to media reports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the six-kilometer section towards the end of February.
Spanning a total length of 30 kilometers, the Agra Metro line is an ambitious project set to transform the city’s transportation landscape. The priority section, comprising 3 kilometers of elevated track and an equal length underground, has been completed in a record time of 11 months.
This swift completion is particularly noteworthy given that construction of underground metro stations and tunneling typically takes three times longer than elevated stations.
The Agra Metro project, as per news agency IANS, achieved this feat “including tunnel construction through Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), track work, laying of the entire third rail, and implementation of signaling systems to ensure smooth and safe train operations.” This achievement is attributed to the exceptional coordination and effort of various teams, including civil, track, traction, signaling, E&M, and telecom, as highlighted by Sushil Kumar, Managing Director of the Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC).
UPMRC, in a recent statement, announced that train testing will now commence over the entire priority stretch, which is gearing up for public access soon. Additionally, the systems and signaling work are slated for completion by the next month, further paving the way for the metro’s operation. The Agra Metro, once operational, is expected to enhance connectivity and ease the travel experience for both locals and tourists visiting the iconic Taj Mahal and other historic sites in the city.