Another tunnel breakthrough achieved by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) marked it as a major milestone in Phase 4 of the Golden Line at Tughlakabad Railway Colony. Covering a 792-meter stretch, the tunnel was built using advanced EPBM technology by Afcons Infrastructure, enhancing connectivity on the Aerocity–Tughlakabad corridor.
Golden Line – Phase 4:
Delhi Metro achieved a significant tunneling breakthrough on the Tughlakabad–Aerocity corridor of Phase 4 with the completion of the underground tunnel between Tughlakabad and Tughlakabad Railway colony. A Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) completed a 792-meter tunnel, marking a crucial advancement in the construction of the Golden Line.
Event Attended by Railway Board:
The breakthrough event took place in the presence of Shri Naveen Gulati, Member (Infrastructure), Railway Board, and senior DMRC officials. The project has been executed by civil contractor M/s Afcons Infrastructure Ltd.
Tunnel Details and Construction Technology:
- Length: 0.792 km
- Depth: ~18 meters
- Inner Diameter: 5.8 meters
- Rings Installed: 559 precast concrete rings
- TBM Used: 91-meter-long Earth Pressure Balance Machine (EPBM)
- Segment Casting Yard: Mundka, with steam-cured segments for quick strength development
Safety Measures and Monitoring:
Construction took place under built-up areas with zero surface disruption. DMRC ensured comprehensive ground movement monitoring using sensitive instruments installed on nearby structures, eliminating settlement risks.
Significance in Phase 4 Expansion:
Out of the 40.109 km of underground sections approved under Phase 4, the Aerocity–Tughlakabad corridor accounts for 19.343 km. This corridor, including the tunnel just completed, will significantly boost airport and south Delhi connectivity.
About TBMs in DMRC Projects:
Delhi Metro has used TBM technology since Phase 1 and deployed around 30 TBMs during Phase 3 construction. TBMs allow non-intrusive tunneling through varied geological conditions, making them ideal for dense urban areas like Delhi.
Conclusion:
The Tughlakabad Railway Colony tunnel breakthrough is yet another testament to DMRC’s engineering excellence and commitment to seamless urban mobility. With safety, precision, and modern tunneling technologies, DMRC continues to push boundaries in expanding Delhi’s metro network, paving the way for faster and more sustainable transport solutions.
Source: DMRC – Press Release | Images Credit: DMRC
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