AGRA (Metro Rail News): In major news for Agra Metro Rail Project, European Investment Bank (EIB) has given its approval to sanction loan for the Agra Metro. This will enable Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) to float tenders for the underground section of the Priority Corridor between Taj East Gate to Fatehabad of Line-1 of Agra Metro.
The Priority Corridor of Agra Metro comprises construction of 6 km long section from Taj East Gate to Jama Masjid with six stations. Contract is awarded to Sam India Built Well Pvt. Ltd. for the elevated portion of length 3 km with 3 stations namely – Fatehabad Road, Basai & Taj East Gate. However, tender is still pending for the underground section of length of 3 km that will run from Jama Masjid to Taj Mahal with three underground stations.
According to the Managing Director of UPMRCL, Kumar Keshav, “European Investment Bank (EIB) which granted loans for the metro rail projects in Lucknow and Kanpur previously, has approved the loan process for the Agra Metro project also.”
“This also means that the tendering process for the proposed underground section of the priority corridor would commence shortly and the civil construction for the underground section will also begin very soon” he said.
Line-1 (14.24 km) of Agra Metro is partly elevated (6.56 km) and partly underground (7.68 km) with 14 stations on the route.
In an another major milestone for Agra Metro, the casting of First U-Girder has began for the elevated portion of the Priority Corridor on Wednesday in presence of Kumar Keshav who inaugurated casting at Bamrauli-Katara Casting Yard.
U-Girder is one of the most important components of the Metro Project. It forms the base of the elevated metro viaduct. A total of 196 U-Girders will be placed for the elevated stretch of the Priority Corridor between Taj East Gate & Fatehabad Road.
The placing of U-Girders will enable fast paced project execution, within the stipulated timeframe as it saves construction space. It is cost effective and will prove to be more convenient for the public by reducing construction time and thereby causing less traffic congestion.
