Kanpur: Construction work on the Kanpur Metro Rail Project’s Corridor-2 (CSA to Barra-8) reached a significant milestone as progress continued at a rapid pace. While track construction on the balance section of Corridor-1 (Kanpur Central to Naubasta) neared completion, welding and laying of rails also commenced on Corridor-2. In the coming days, track slab casting work will also begin under this corridor. At present, the process of welding and laying the first set of rails was initiated between the Corridor-2 ramp (near the depot) and Kakadeo station.It may be noted that tunnelling work on the ‘downline’ of Corridor-2 was successfully completed on Feb 9. Following this achievement, rail welding and laying activities began in the underground section. For this purpose, a Flash Butt Welding (FBW) plant was lowered underground through the ramp near the Corridor-2 depot. This plant is being used for welding the rails, which are subsequently transported and laid inside the underground tunnel with the help of tractors and other specialised equipment. After completion of rail laying, track slab casting will be initiated. Provisions will also be made for installation of Derailment Guards and the Third Rail system.Kanpur Metro utilises ballast-less (gravel-free) tracks for train operations. The rails being installed are manufactured using head-hardened technology, which is also deployed in high-speed freight corridors. Ballastless tracks require minimal maintenance and have a longer lifecycle. In the underground section, Mass Spring Systems will be installed at designated locations to absorb vibration and reduce noise levels.Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Ltd MD Sushil Kumar stated on the occasion, “I am pleased that our entire team and executing agencies are firmly committed to achieving project targets within the stipulated timeline.”
