The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has achieved a significant milestone in its Phase-IV construction works with the completion of the first twin tunnel breakthrough, according to an official statement. The twin tunnels, which span around 3 kilometres, represent the longest section built under this phase of the project.
The statement revealed that two tunnel boring machines (TBMs), named Bhoomi and Srishti, completed the breakthrough at Pulbangash Metro Station, marking the connection of the tunnels between Derawal Nagar and Pulbangash on the Janakpuri West-R K Ashram corridor, an extension of the Magenta Line. Both TBMs were retrieved successfully after covering approximately 2,997 metres in just over 14 months, with an average daily progress of 8.2 metres per tunnel. This achievement is noted as the longest tunnelling drive in DMRC's Phase IV.
The breakthrough event was attended by Dharmendra, Chief Secretary of Delhi, and Dr. Vikas Kumar, Managing Director of DMRC. Anuj Dayal, Principal Executive Director of Corporate Communications at DMRC, expressed pride in the accomplishment, affirming DMRC's ongoing commitment to providing safe and efficient transport infrastructure for Delhi's residents.
Afcons, the contractor responsible for the DC-05 package, which includes six underground stations and 14.4km of tunnelling, issued a statement celebrating the completion of 3 km of twin tunnels from Derawal Nagar to Pulbangash. The tunnels were excavated at depths of 14-15 metres beneath densely populated areas like Rana Pratap Bagh and Punjabi Basti Colony, and they also passed under the Najafgarh drain, a structurally sensitive area.
Despite the challenges of tunnelling through submerged water and navigating under-construction areas like Ghanta Ghar station, no damage to structures was reported. The tunnels, which have an internal diameter of 5.8 metres, also feature six cross passages for passenger safety. TBM Bhoomi began operations on June 18, 2023, followed by TBM Srishti on August 19, 2023. The civil works for this section were executed by Afcons.
