The Delhi Metro achieved a key milestone on the Golden Line (Tughlakabad–Aerocity Corridor) with the successful tunnel breakthrough at Tughlakabad Railway Colony Station. This 792-meter tunnel, constructed using advanced TBM technology, shows continued progress under Phase-IV. The parallel tunnel is expected to be completed by July 2025.
Tunnel Breakthrough at Tughlakabad Railway Colony:
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) reached a significant tunneling milestone with the successful breakthrough of a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) at Tughlakabad Railway Colony Station. This is part of the Golden Line (Aerocity–Tughlakabad corridor) under Phase-IV of the Delhi Metro project.
Brief on Tunnel Details:
- Length of tunnel: 0.792 kilometers
- TBM used: 96-meter-long Earth Pressure Balance Machine (EPBM)
- Depth: Approx. 18 meters
- Tunnel rings installed: 566
- Tunnel diameter: 5.8 meters (inner)
The EPBM technology used in this project is designed for efficient tunneling through urban strata, ensuring minimal surface disruption. The precast concrete rings were produced at DMRC’s Mundka casting yard using steam curing for early strength.
Making Assured Safety and Quality Control:
DMRC used advanced ground monitoring systems and sensitive equipment to ensure structural safety in nearby buildings during the tunneling process. No ground settlement or structural damage was reported during the operation.
Phase-IV Tunneling Scope:
Out of the total 65.20 kilometers sanctioned under Phase-IV, 40.109 kilometers involve underground construction. The Aerocity–Tughlakabad corridor covers for 19.343 kilometers of this underground stretch. The second parallel tunnel at the Tughlakabad site is looking for completion in July 2025.
Use of TBMs in DMRC Projects:
Delhi Metro has depended extensively on TBMs since its inception. If we talk about Phase-III, more than 30 TBMs were deployed to construct approximately 50 kilometers of underground sections. These machines have enabled rapid, safe, and non-intrusive tunneling in densely populated urban settings.
Conclusion:
This critical breakthrough cements another step forward in DMRC’s commitment to expand sustainable urban and green transport through world-class engineering. The use of TBMs showcase DMRC’s continued commitment to technological excellence and safety in complex urban environments, making the way for timely delivery of Phase-IV’s critical underground infrastructure.
Source: DMRC – Press Release | Images Credit: DMRC
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