construction of the first underground corridor being developed by Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited in Bhopal is running significantly behind its deadline. Although the project had a target completion date of May 31, progress remains notably slow. In 400-meter underground section between Bhopal Railway Station and Pul Patra, the Tunnel Boring Machine has only progressed 50 meters. Excavation, which commenced on March 30, was initially projected to be completed within two months, but technical constraints and a slower excavation pace have disrupted the entire timeline. The speed of tunneling has been severely restricted due to stringent safety protocols and complex engineering requirements. Currently, the machine is advancing at a rate of only one to 1.5 meters per day. A significant challenge is the continuous grouting process required within the tunnel. While this procedure is essential to ensure structural stability and passenger safety, it frequently halts progress, leading to a substantial decrease in the overall speed of the construction work. The second Tunnel Boring Machine, named Durgavati, remains idle inside 75-foot-deep launching shaft.

 

According to construction standards, this machine cannot initiate operations until the first machine successfully completes at least 50 meters of excavation. Despite its core components being installed weeks ago, the delays faced during the initial phase have postponed its launch. Metro officials now anticipate that the machine will commence excavation by next week. An extensive technical team is dedicated to this ambitious underground tunnel project. The workforce includes approximately 50 technical personnel and 12 senior engineers. This group brings together specialised expertise from Thailand along with experienced professionals from major Indian cities, including Pune, Surat, Mumbai, Delhi, and Kanpur. These experts are tasked with navigating the project complexities and ensuring the advancement of the work. Metro Public Relations Officer Dheeraj Shukla stated that public safety and tunnel stability remain top priorities throughout the excavation process. He emphasised that strict adherence to safety standards is being maintained, which is a major factor in the current pace of work. He expressed optimism that the second Tunnel Boring Machine, Durgavati, will be operational by next week. The administration continues to strive for increased efficiency without compromising essential safety protocols.