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Built at an average depth of 27 metres, with a minimum depth of 18 metres and a maximum of 39 metres, it surpasses previous tunnel depths achieved by the Delhi Metro
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, accompanied by minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, inspected the newly constructed tunnel at the IGNOU Station site. (News18)
Delhi Metro Phase 4 Update: The Delhi Metro, a lifeline for millions, has achieved another significant milestone. The crucial construction work on the Aerocity-Tughlakabad corridor (Golden Line) of Phase-4 has seen a major development with the completion of the deepest tunnel yet. This brings the possibility of Metro trains running on this route a step closer.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, accompanied by minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, inspected the newly constructed tunnel at the IGNOU Station site. This section of the corridor, running from Chhatarpur temple, features the deepest underground section of Phase 4. Built at an average depth of 27 metres, with a minimum depth of 18 metres and a maximum of 39 metres, it surpasses previous tunnel depths achieved by the Delhi Metro.
Completion Of Parallel Tunnel
This achievement follows the completion of a parallel tunnel between Chhatarpur Mandir and IGNOU on February 25. With both up and down-line tunnels now complete on this challenging section, the project moves significantly closer to completion.
It is worth noting that the Delhi Metro has previously constructed a tunnel at a depth of approximately 30 metres at Hauz Khas on the Magenta Line (Phase-2) and another for the Airport Express Line running at a depth of about 45 metres under Rajiv Chowk Metro Station.
An Engineering Feat
Constructing the tunnel, which involved installing approximately 1048 rings with an internal diameter of 5.8 metres, presented various challenges. The Earth Pressure Balancing Method (EPBM) technology was employed, utilising precast tunnel rings for the concrete lining.
These rings were cast at a dedicated, fully mechanised casting yard in Mundka and strengthened using a steam curing system.
The presence of steep slopes, mica, and hard rocks posed significant hurdles during the tunnel boring, even causing damage to the screw auger. To ensure safety and prevent collapses, ground movements were constantly monitored using highly sensitive equipment installed on nearby buildings.
On Tuesday morning, the 97-metre-long Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) successfully broke through at IGNOU station after excavating a 1460-metre-long tunnel. This marks the third successful TBM breakthrough for the DMRC in the last four weeks, signifying impressive progress on the project.
- Location :
Delhi, India, India
