DMRC marked another important milestone for the Phase IV project of Delhi Metro with the conclusion of Afcons Infrastructure to execute the longest drive of its type for the tunnel of Tughlakabad-Aerocity corridor. The achieved tunnel marks a significant step for expansion in Delhi metro’s network as one of the key sections of the line scheduled to come up within few months will finally be open with this section as one of its critical parts. This is going to be a challenging job which will improve transport in the city and also help the network of metros in terms of running.
A big achievement for Afcons Infrastructure.
It was one of the important milestones in the Delhi Metro’s Phase IV between Tughlakabad Airforce Launching Shaft and Maa Anandmayee Marg Station. It was an achievement that officials from Afcons Infrastructure as well as the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) had undertaken, such as Rajiv Dhankher, Director of Projects and Planning, DMRC. The tunnel drive demonstrates Afcons’ ability to execute challenging infrastructure projects in the urban setting.
Tunnel Construction Using Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) AMRIT
Afcons Infrastructure used the Tunnel Boring Machine, AMRIT, for excavating through the hard rock and mixed soil. The advanced technology of the machine played a very important role in ensuring that the tunnel was excavated with high precision. A number of cutters enabled effective cutting through the tough rock formations, ensuring timely completion of the tunnel without any damage to adjacent structures.
Afcons Infrastructure S. Paramasivan, Managing director said, “It’s a well planned strategic initiative, the construction crew ensured not to hamper the important monuments and buildings on Mehrauli-Badarpur Road in their approach and have thereby reduced interference on the local bodies.
Main Highlights of the Delhi Metro Tunnel Project
The tunnel drive is part of the DC-07 package, which comprises three important stations: Maa Anandmayee Marg Station, Tughlakabad Railway Colony Station, and Tughlakabad Station. The total tunneling work will be 11.26 km with a ramp of 223 meters and a cut-and-cover section of 119 meters. This corridor, forming a part of Line 10 of the Delhi Metro Phase IV, is 23.62 km long and connects Aerocity to Tughlakabad.
It was, therefore, not an easy thing to do at all because considerable planning and tremendous effort were called for. Plenty of planning was undoubtedly required to lay this tunnel and with the tool of the 105 meters long TBM so designed for passage through those solid layers of rock that no other drilling machine could tackle. The TBM has an inner side dimension of 1,894 rings, which have a dimension of 5.8 meters while the tunnel measures about 16 meters. The whole design coupled with such machinery made excavation a very smooth process.
The Aerocity-Tughlakabad Corridor
The Aerocity-Tughlakabad corridor is one of the most crucial segments of the on-going Delhi Metro network expansion project. It is going to really help the area get well connected and will greatly relieve the city traffic. The two parallel tunnels make up the corridor. One tunnel has already been finished, and construction of the other parallel tunnel is expected to go on until 2024. Completion is slated for around January 2025.
The two parallel tunnels are quite important to make sure that the metro line would be of efficient operation. With undisturbed train movement, transportation of passengers is ensured. It forms part of the larger view of expanding Delhi Metro to take it to every nook and corner to cater to the teeming population of this metropolis as the best mode of public transportation.
Future Plans and Completion Schedule
The completion of the Aerocity-Tughlakabad corridor will also be a part of Phase IV expansion to be used in further growth of the metro system of Delhi. All 23.62 kilometers will connect prominent areas, and this is an easier and reliable mode of transportation for commuters.
With the closing tunnel drive being the longest, Afcons Infrastructure is well inside track to get completed within the scheduled deadlines of constructing Metro Phase IV. This Mega Corridor is a glorious tribute to the fabulous work and sustained efforts that are put in the engineering teams regarding high-grade infrastructural delivery.
Conclusion
Afcons Infrastructure has completed the longest drive tunnel of Delhi Metro Phase IV. Using the successful TBM, AMRIT, the challenging problems it created will be left behind once again, so this project might just reach other parts of town to become developed next. Better Delhi metro connectivity may come for it with proper city development along this Aerocity-Tughlakabad corridor toward an efficient and sustainable system in public transports.
Refer :
Economic Times, Link to article
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