TBM 427 of Bhopal Metro passes Factory Acceptance Test
The Robbins Company, a leading manufacturer of tunnel boring machines, has successfully completed the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for TBM 427, the first tunnel boring machine for Bhopal Metro Phase 1’s underground package BH-04. The test was conducted in Bengaluru, marking a significant milestone in the construction of the Orange Line of the Bhopal Metro.
TBM 427 is an Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) machine, designed to construct three twin tunnels covering a total length of 2.1 kilometers. The machine will play a crucial role in the development of the Bhopal Metro, which aims to provide a reliable and efficient public transportation system to the city’s residents.
The Factory Acceptance Test is a rigorous evaluation process that ensures the TBM meets the required specifications and standards. During the test, the machine’s performance was thoroughly evaluated, including its mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems. The test also included simulating various operating conditions that the TBM will encounter during its actual tunneling operations.
The TBM 427 is equipped with advanced technologies and features that enable it to efficiently excavate the earth and maintain a stable tunnel environment. Its EPB system uses a mixture of soil and bentonite to control the pressure and stabilize the tunnel face, ensuring a smooth and continuous tunneling process.
The successful completion of the Factory Acceptance Test is a significant achievement for The Robbins Company, the Bhopal Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), and the project’s stakeholders. It marks the beginning of the TBM’s journey to Bhopal, where it will be used to construct the three twin tunnels on the Orange Line.
The Orange Line of the Bhopal Metro is a 31.6-kilometer-long corridor that will connect various parts of the city, including the Habibganj railway station, Bhopal Railway Station, and several major bus terminals. The corridor will have 17 stations and is expected to reduce the city’s reliance on private vehicles, promoting a more sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation system.
The construction of the Bhopal Metro is a significant infrastructure development project that aims to transform the city’s public transportation system. The project involves the construction of two corridors – the Blue Line and the Orange Line – which will connect various parts of the city and provide a seamless travel experience to commuters.
The Bhopal Metro project is being implemented by the BMRCL, a joint venture between the Madhya Pradesh government and the Indian Railways. The project is being executed by a consortium of Indian and international companies, including the construction giant, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), which is responsible for the construction of the tunneling package BH-04.
The successful completion of the Factory Acceptance Test for TBM 427 is a significant milestone in the Bhopal Metro project, and it marks the beginning of the tunneling operations for the Orange Line. The TBM will soon be shipped to Bhopal, where it will be used to construct the three twin tunnels on the Orange Line, paving the way for the completion of the Bhopal Metro project.
