Afcons Infrastructure Ltd. is preparing to commence tunnelling on India’s first Regional Rapid Transit System Project following the delivery of three new 7.51m diameter Terratec EPBMs that will complete the tunnelling works for Package-8 – the Brahampuri down ramp to Begumpul up ramp section – of the Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System Project.
Package 8 consists of a 7.12km tunnel and three underground stations.
Following successful Factory Acceptance Tests at TERRATEC’s facility, the TBMs will now be transported to India and reassembled on-site.
In early 2022, the first two machines will be launched from Bhaisali station where they will pass beneath the densely residential areas and commercial buildings. Then the third TBM, will travel through an extreme right radius towards the Begampul station. The geological conditions along the tunnel alignments will be sand, silt and clay.
For the geological conditions expected, the contractor selected three 7.51m diameter EPBMs equipped with Dome-Type Cutterheads. For added versatility, the Cutterhead has been designed to allow the cutting tools to be exchangeable for 17’’ disc cutters, allowing the TBM to be able to bore through the D-walls and cope with the presence of any unexpected obstacle on its way, such as old wells or foundations.
As the TBMs progress, they will install 300mm thick x 1500mm long, reinforced concrete Universal-style, pre-cast lining rings – comprising six segments + key. Muck removal, segment transport and logistics supply will be via rolling stock using five number 45t battery locomotives (also supplied by TERRATEC).
The Regional Rapid Transit System is different from metro as it caters to passengers who are looking to travel a longer distance with fewer stops and at higher speeds.
The Delhi–Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (Delhi–Meerut RRTS) is an 82.15km long, under-construction, semi-high speed rail corridor connecting Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Meerut. With a maximum speed of 180km/h, the distance between Delhi and Meerut will be covered in less than 60 minutes. Operation of Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS Corridor is expected to shift the mode split in favour of public transport from 37% to 63% in the region, which eventually helps in reducing pollution. The entire 82km long Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor is anticipated to be operational by 2025.
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