DMRC has achieved a major milestone in the development of the Delhi Metro’s Phase IV project, with Afcons Infrastructure completing the longest tunnel drive for the Tughlakabad-Aerocity corridor. This achievement is a significant step towards expanding Delhi’s metro network, with the completed tunnel being one of the critical components of the upcoming stretch. The precise execution of this complex task is expected to enhance transportation in the city while contributing to the ongoing metro network’s growth.
A Major Milestone for Afcons Infrastructure
The tunnel, which is located between the Tughlakabad Airforce Launching Shaft and Maa Anandmayee Marg Station, marks a key moment in the development of the Delhi Metro’s Phase IV. This milestone was celebrated by officials from both Afcons Infrastructure and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), including Rajiv Dhankher, the Director of Projects and Planning at DMRC. The successful completion of the tunnel drive showcases Afcons’ expertise in handling complex infrastructure projects in urban environments.
Tunnel Construction Using Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) AMRIT
Afcons Infrastructure used the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) AMRIT to dig through the difficult terrain of hard rock and mixed soil. The machine, with its advanced technology, played a pivotal role in ensuring the tunnel was excavated with precision. The use of multiple cutters allowed for efficient cutting through the tough rock formations, ensuring the timely completion of the tunnel while avoiding damage to nearby structures.
S. Paramasivan, Managing Director of Afcons Infrastructure, emphasized the strategic planning involved in the project. The construction team took great care to ensure that the tunnel did not interfere with significant monuments or structures along the Mehrauli-Badarpur Road, ensuring minimal disruption to the surrounding areas.
Key Details of the Delhi Metro Tunnel Project
The tunnel drive is part of the DC-07 package, which includes the construction of three key stations: Maa Anandmayee Marg Station, Tughlakabad Railway Colony Station, and Tughlakabad Station. The total tunneling work spans 11.26 km and includes a 223-meter ramp and a 119-meter cut-and-cover section. This corridor, part of Line 10 of the Delhi Metro Phase IV, is 23.62 km in length, connecting Aerocity to Tughlakabad.
The construction of this tunnel was no small feat, requiring meticulous planning and execution. The TBM used in the project was a 105-meter-long machine capable of drilling through the challenging layers of rock. The tunnel itself is about 16 meters wide, and the TBM was equipped with 1,894 rings, each with an inner diameter of 5.8 meters. This combination of machinery and design allowed for smooth and efficient excavation, despite the difficult ground conditions.
The Aerocity-Tughlakabad Corridor
The Aerocity-Tughlakabad corridor is a vital part of the ongoing expansion of Delhi’s metro network. Once completed, it will significantly improve connectivity in the region and ease the traffic burden in the city. The corridor features two parallel tunnels designed for smooth and efficient metro operations. The first tunnel is already complete, and work on the second parallel tunnel will continue through 2024, with completion expected around January 2025.
The two parallel tunnels are an essential part of ensuring the operational efficiency of the metro line. They will allow for uninterrupted train movement, providing passengers with a reliable and timely mode of transport. This corridor is part of the larger vision to extend the Delhi Metro network and provide a world-class public transport system to the city’s growing population.
Future Developments and Completion Timeline
As part of the Phase IV expansion, the completion of the Aerocity-Tughlakabad corridor will play a crucial role in the future growth of Delhi’s metro system. The entire 23.62 km stretch will connect key areas, offering a faster and more reliable mode of transport for commuters.
With the completion of the longest tunnel drive, Afcons Infrastructure is on track to meet the timeline for the Phase IV metro project, which is expected to be completed in stages. The construction of this corridor is a testament to the capabilities of the engineering teams involved and their dedication to delivering high-quality infrastructure.
Conclusion
Afcons Infrastructure’s completion of the longest tunnel drive for the Delhi Metro Phase IV project is a remarkable achievement. With the successful use of the TBM AMRIT, the project has overcome significant challenges and is progressing towards its next phases. The ongoing development of the Aerocity-Tughlakabad corridor promises to improve Delhi’s metro connectivity, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient public transport network in the city.
Refer :
Economic Times, Link to article
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