Agra: Work on the first phase of the Agra Metro is progressing at a brisk pace. Officials are hopeful that a stretch of the 29 km long network will be operational before the assembly elections next year.

The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. is executing the civil construction works for the three Km long elevated stretch of the Priority Corridor between Taj East Gate and Fatehabad Road in Agra. Since the inauguration of the civil works on December 7, 2020, by  Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Metro engineers are investing their efforts day and night to complete the project within the stipulated deadline.

On completion of six months, UPMRC’s MD  Kumar Keshav said, “in the course, UPMRC has achieved an array of milestones within the short span of just six months from commencement of civil works. Passing through the challenges of COVID, we have successfully maintained the pace of the construction works while following all the guidelines and taking required safety measures. This project is a wonderful gift to the people of Agra and we have all the intention to provide a world-class Metro service to them within the decided time frame.”

The fast-paced construction is evident from the fact that UPMRC has completed the piling work up to the Fatehabad road Metro Station, starting from the dead-end beyond Taj East Gate Metro Station.

The start of the piling work was challenging due to the complications of Utility Identification and diversion in the city, but UPMRC had efficiently overcome that challenge too, an official said.

Along with this, Pile Caps, Piers (Pillers) and Pier caps are being constructed simultaneously. Till now, 67 Pile caps and 38 Piers have been constructed in the corridor.

The UPMRC has commenced the construction of the Pier-Caps and the Double T-girders at the Bamrauli Katara Casting Yard. These pre-cast structures save time and provide a good push to the construction speed. UPMRC has completed the casting of five Pier Caps and the two Double T-girder.

The first station has also started coming into shape. The longitudinal beam, which will be the main support structure for the station is expected to be completed in the next week.

The UPMRC is constructing a world-class metro depot at the PAC premises, the construction work for which is coming along smoothly. The depot will be equipped with a 'zero discharge facility', where no water will be wasted and all the water will be treated and recycled for other uses.

The integrated contract for the Rolling Stocks (Metro trains) and Signalling system has been awarded and the two corridors of the Project (Sikandara-Taj East Gate & Agra Cantt.- Kalindi Vihar) will be facilitated by 28 Metro trains of 3 coaches each.