Divya Agarwal
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], March 19: Premier Roadlines Limited, a pioneer in heavy logistics and transportation, has achieved a monumental milestone by successfully transporting Kolkata’s first premium 650-tonne Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) over a 1,653-km journey from Alinjivakkam, Tamil Nadu, to Kolkata. This remarkable feat underscores Premier Roadlines’ expertise in handling complex and oversized cargo, playing a critical role in the Kolkata Metro’s Purple Line expansion project.
The mammoth 90-meter-long TBM, primarily manufactured in India, was transported in 17 meticulously arranged trailers, showcasing Premier Roadlines’ unparalleled capabilities in heavy logistics. The machine will now be deployed for tunneling operations on the underground section of the Joka-Esplanade Metro corridor, marking a significant step forward in Kolkata’s urban infrastructure development.
A Testament to Precision and Expertise
Transporting a 650-tonne TBM across 1,600 km of diverse terrain required meticulous planning, advanced engineering, and flawless execution. Premier Roadlines Limited rose to the challenge, ensuring the safe and timely delivery of the colossal machine.
Speaking on this achievement, Mr. Samin Gupta, Director & CFO at Premier Roadlines Limited, said, “We are incredibly proud to have played a pivotal role in this historic project. Transporting a machine of this size and complexity is a testament to our team’s expertise, dedication, and commitment to excellence. This achievement not only highlights our capabilities in heavy logistics but also reinforces our contribution to India’s infrastructure growth. We are honored to be part of a project that will transform urban transportation in Kolkata.”
Supporting India’s Infrastructure Ambitions
The TBM, manufactured primarily at Herrenknecht AG’s Tamil Nadu unit, represents a significant shift toward indigenous Metro construction. Premier Roadlines’ successful transportation of this machine underscores its role in enabling India’s self-reliance in infrastructure development.
The TBM will be used to dig twin tunnels for the 5-km underground section of the 14-km Joka-Esplanade Metro corridor. The first stretch to be excavated will span 1.7 km from St. Thomas’ to Victoria, followed by 950 meters from Victoria to Park Street. The final segment between Park Street and Esplanade will utilize the cut-and-cover method.
Overcoming Challenges with Unmatched Expertise
The transportation of the TBM involved navigating complex routes, ensuring safety protocols, and coordinating with multiple stakeholders. Premier Roadlines’ ability to deliver the machine without any setbacks highlights its leadership in the heavy logistics sector.
The tunnel ring segments, essential for reinforcing the tunnels, are being manufactured at Larsen & Toubro’s (L&T) Sarkarpool facility near Mahestala. Premier Roadlines’ contribution ensures that the project remains on track, even as tunneling progresses despite uncertainties surrounding land acquisition for the Kidderpore station.
A New Benchmark in Heavy Logistics
Premier Roadlines Limited has once again demonstrated its capability to handle India’s most challenging logistics projects. By transporting the TBM safely and efficiently, the company has set a new benchmark in the industry, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted partner for infrastructure development.
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