The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has achieved a significant construction milestone on its Metro Phase IV with the completion of the longest tunnel stretch between Tughlakabad Air Force Launching Shaft and Maa Anandmayee Marg on the Tughlakabad-Aerocity corridor.
Operated by section civil contractor, M/s Afcons, the breakthrough of the Robbins 6.5m diameter EPBM ‘AMRIT’ at the Anandmayee Marg site took place in the presence of Sh. Rajiv Dhankher, Director Projects and Planning, DMRC and other senior officials.
The breakthrough followed the boring of a 2.65km long tunnel. Two parallel tunnels are being constructed on this stretch of the Aerocity–Tughlakabad corridor, with the breakthrough of the parallel tunnel expected in January 2025.
This new tunnel has been constructed at an average depth of approximately 16m, with 1894 rings installed leaving a tunnel i.d. of 5.8m. The tunnel rings were cast at a fully mechanized casting yard set up at Mundka, with segments cured with a steam curing system to achieve early strength.
The tunnelling work posed significant technical challenges, including the relocation of a sewer line, and the navigation through hard rock strata etc. All necessary safety precautions were taken during the construction of the tunnel below the existing built-up structures with ground movements monitored using highly sensitive instruments fixed on nearby structures, ensuring no settlement.
As part of the Phase 4 work approved so far, 40.109km of underground lines are being constructed. The Aerocity-Tughlakabad corridor has underground sections totalling 19.343km.
Photo: DMRC (public) Facebook page
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