Archive · 4 Sep 2026
Indore Launches First TBM for Underground Metro Construction
Indore is building part of its metro railway underground.
A huge machine called Narmada will dig the tunnel.
It weighs about 410 tonnes, which is as heavy as many large vehicles together.
Workers assembled it above ground and carefully lowered it into a deep shaft near the airport.
Special lifting equipment was used to move the machine safely.
The tunnel will connect the Airport area with Bada Ganpati.
The machine can help workers build underground in a controlled way.
This may reduce the need to dig up many roads and areas at the surface.
The first Tunnel Boring Machine, named Narmada, was launched for Indore Metro’s underground construction.
The TBM will build the underground metro tunnel between Airport and Bada Ganpati.
The 410-tonne machine was assembled above ground before being lowered into an airport shaft.
A Megalift System and Strand Jack Assembly handled the lifting and lowering operation.
Officials said the launch will accelerate tunnelling while reducing extensive surface excavation in built-up areas.
- Who
- The Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Ltd, led during the operation by managing director S Krishna Chaitanya, launched the TBM.
- What
- The first Tunnel Boring Machine, named Narmada, was lowered into a shaft for underground metro construction.
- When
- The launch took place on Thursday; the article does not specify the date.
- Where
- At a shaft near the airport in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, for the Airport–Bada Ganpati metro section.
- Why
- To construct the underground metro tunnel using mechanised technology and reduce extensive surface excavation in built-up areas.
- TBM name
- Narmada
- TBM weight
- Approximately 410 metric tonnes
- Tunnel section
- Airport to Bada Ganpati
- Launch location
- Shaft near the airport, Indore
- Lifting equipment
- Megalift System and Strand Jack Assembly
- Equipment capacity
- The specialised lifting system can handle loads exceeding 1,000 metric tonnes
- Implementing agency
- Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Ltd