Agra Metro Completes Key Phase as Tunnel Work Finishes

The Agra Metro Rail Project has reached a significant milestone with the successful breakthrough of the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) at Mankameshwar Metro Station. This event marks the completion of all underground tunnelling work for Line 1, bringing Agra one step closer to a modern, reliable, and eco-friendly metro system.

This achievement is especially important because tunnelling is one of the most complex and time-consuming phases of a metro project. It requires advanced machinery, skilled engineering, and careful execution, especially in a historic city like Agra, where construction must be carried out with minimal disturbance to heritage sites and busy urban areas.

About Line 1 – Connecting North to South Agra

Line 1 of the Agra Metro is designed to cover 14.25 kilometres, stretching from Sikandra in the north to the Taj East Gate in the south. This corridor is the central route of the metro network and will serve as the main travel link for citizens, students, and tourists alike.

The alignment of Line 1 has been carefully planned to connect important landmarks, institutions, and transit points across the city.

Key Highlights of Line 1:

• Covers major residential, commercial, and educational zones
• Direct access to tourist destinations like the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort
• Aims to serve thousands of daily passengers
• Reduces traffic load on major roads like MG Road and Fatehabad Road

Once operational, Line 1 will revolutionise how people travel in Agra, offering a safe, clean, and punctual alternative to traditional road transport.

Package AGCC-02: The Backbone of Underground Construction

The completion of tunnelling marks the end of construction work under Package AGCC-02, which was one of the most critical sections of the metro project.

This package was awarded by the Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) in March 2022 to the Afcons–Sam India Consortium, a reputed joint venture known for delivering large-scale infrastructure projects across India.

Project Details:

• Package Code: AGCC-02
• Length Covered: 7.93 km
• Total Contract Value: ₹1,820 crore (₹18.2 billion)
• Planned Duration: 48 months
• Status: Tunnel breakthrough achieved ahead of schedule

The package included complex underground work, requiring precise planning and execution in densely populated and sensitive urban areas. Completion of this phase is a testament to the engineering excellence and teamwork that have driven the Agra Metro.

What AGCC-02 Includes: Stations and Systems

The scope of work under AGCC-02 was not limited to just tunnels. It also involved the construction of seven underground metro stations, each designed to meet global standards in terms of safety, accessibility, and user experience.

Underground Stations in AGCC-02:

1. Taj Mahal Station
2. Agra Fort Station
3. Mankameshwar (Jama Masjid) Station
4. S.N. Medical College Station
5. Agra College Station
6. Raja Ki Mandi Station
7. RBS College Station

These stations will feature modern facilities, including escalators, elevators, wide platforms, automatic ticketing systems, and digital information displays. Each station will be a hub of connectivity, linking rickshaws, buses, and walking routes.

Supporting Infrastructure:

• Twin Tunnels: One for each direction of train travel
• Tunnel Ventilation Systems (TVS) for air circulation and fire safety
• Environmental Control Systems (ECS) to maintain air quality and temperature
• Electrical & Mechanical Systems for station operations
• Architectural Finishes that make stations more functional and aesthetic

How Agra Will Benefit?

This tunnelling success is not just a technical feat—it is a symbol of progress for Agra. Once Line 1 is fully functional, it will significantly transform daily life and urban mobility in the city.

Long-Term Benefits for Agra:

• Less road congestion and smoother traffic flow
• Cleaner air due to fewer vehicles on the road
• Faster, stress-free travel for office-goers, students, and tourists
• Boost to tourism with easier access to historical monuments
• Protection of heritage zones by limiting vehicle movement around them
• Stronger local economy due to better infrastructure and connectivity

This metro line will also encourage more people to choose public transport, which is cost-effective and environmentally friendly. It aligns with India’s goals of building smart, green, and sustainable cities.

Next Steps in the Project

With underground tunnelling complete, the Agra Metro project will now move to its next phases.

Upcoming Work Includes:

• Track installation inside tunnels and stations
• Completion of station interiors and public facilities
• Electrical and safety testing of systems
• Trial runs to test train movement, frequency, and timing.
• Final inspection before the public launch

All these steps are critical to ensure that the metro operates safely and efficiently once it opens to passengers.

Conclusion: A Step Closer to a Modern Agra

The successful tunnel breakthrough at Mankameshwar is more than just a construction update—it represents Agra’s journey toward becoming a modern, well-connected city.

The Agra Metro is expected to be a game-changer in public transportation, and urban planners and citizens alike are closely watching its progress. As each milestone is crossed, the dream of a sustainable, convenient, and inclusive transport system for Agra is turning into reality.

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