Agra: UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the Agra Metro Underground tunnel construction work at the Ramlila Maidan by launching the TBM Yamuna. Indications are that the metro project for the Taj city would become operational much before the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

Speaking on the occasion, Yogi said, “UP Metro officials are doing a commendable job and executing the project timely. Uttar Pradesh has the maximum number of cities that has operational metro services. Agra will also emerge as a metro city in the future and give plenty of employment opportunities, enhance tourism, and boost its image on the world map."

The CM said “UPMRC is putting all efforts into achieving this target six months ahead of its schedule. The schedule is marked for August 2024 and the team of UPMRC is planning to execute the project by early 2024. Metro services will be operational for the people of Agra by the beginning of 2024."

MD UPMRC Sushil Kumar said “UPMRC has always executed metro projects timely and ahead of schedule. This time as well we will achieve the same milestone, by delivering a world-class metro to the people of Agra ahead of the set timeline.”

The two TBM machines have been named Yamuna and Ganga. Yamuna commenced tunneling work today while Ganga will start tunneling after two weeks from  Launching Shaft/Crossover section at Ramlila Maidan.

Yogi arrived at the crossover site and inspected the world-class safety park built at the site. Officials told him about the safety features followed at the site.

He signed on to the pre-cast ring segment and pressed the button for inaugurating the tunnel boring machine.

After the first breakthrough at Agra Fort Metro Station, the TBM will then go towards the Taj Mahal Metro Station (Purani Mandi Chauraha) and will be retrieved thereafter from the retrieval shaft.

One TBM  weighs around 450 tons and its length is approximately 85 meters. The TBM daily operates for around an average of 10-12 meters.