The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has achieved a major construction milestone on the Phase 4 Golden Line with the completion of the tunnel section between Kishangarh and Vasant Kunj Station on the Tughlakabad-Aerocity corridor.
The breakthrough of the Terratec 6.61m diameter EPBM, driven by J Kumar, at the Vasant Kunj Station site took place in the presence of Sh. Manohar Lal, Hon’ble Union Minister of Housing & Urban affairs and Power and Sh. Tokhan Sahu, Hon’ble Minister of State, Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs.
The EPBM broke through after boring a 1530m-long tunnel as part of the Golden Line’s 6.51 km Package DC-08. The breakthrough on the parallel tunnel is planned for June ’25.
This new tunnel has been constructed at an average depth of approximately 23m (min depth 15.7m & max. 30.2m). Approx 1107 rings have been installed in the tunnel, with an internal diameter of 5.8m. The lining comprises 1,400mm wide by 275mm thick universal reinforced concrete lining rings, comprising five segments plus a key. The tunnel rings were cast at a fully mechanized casting yard set up at Mundka. The concrete segments were cured with a steam curing system to achieve early strength.
The EPBM’s robust mixed-face dome-style cutterhead was specifically designed to tackle the challenging mixed ground conditions, including quartzite, sandy silt, and rock formations encountered along the alignment. The TBM mined through very challenging conditions, with rock strength exceeding 250MPa in some locations, demonstrating its capability to handle extreme geological challenges.
Muck removal, segment transport, and consumable supply were efficiently managed using rail-bound equipment powered by battery locomotives, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
The tunnelling drive started on 30.10.2023 and challenges including a steep gradient with varied geology comprised of mica and hard rock were encountered.
As part of the Phase 4 work approved so far, 40.109km of tunnels are being constructed. The Aerocity-Tughlakabad corridor has underground sections totalling 19.343km.
Terratec
Incorporated 30 years ago, TERRATEC is one of the world’s leading designers and manufacturers of Tunnel Boring Machines, encompassing all...
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