New Delhi: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has achieved a major milestone in its Phase 4 expansion. A tunnel breakthrough was successfully completed on the Aerocity–Tughlakabad corridor,popularly known as the Golden Line between Tughlakabad and Tughlakabad Railway Colony.
Golden Line Gains Momentum with Tunnel Milestone
The Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) breakthrough was achieved at Tughlakabad Railway Colony in the presence of Mr. Naveen Gulati, Member (Infrastructure), Railway Board, and senior DMRC officials. The breakthrough marks the completion of a critical underground section of the 40.1 km Phase 4 plan.
The 91-metre-long TBM constructed a 0.792 km-long tunnel, one of two parallel tunnels facilitating up and down movement on this stretch. Construction was executed by civil contractor M/s Afcons Infrastructure Ltd.
Advanced Engineering, Zero Settlement Strategy
Situated at an average depth of 18 metres, the tunnel comprises 559 precast concrete rings, each with a 5.8-metre inner diameter. Built using the Earth Pressure Balancing Method (EPBM), the tunnel’s segments were steam-cured at a mechanized casting yard in Mundka to accelerate structural strength.
To ensure complete safety, DMRC installed highly sensitive instruments on nearby buildings. These devices continuously monitored ground shifts, ensuring zero settlement under densely populated areas.
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DMRC’s Tunnelling Legacy Strengthens
The Aerocity–Tughlakabad corridor includes over 19.3 km of underground sections and plays a pivotal role in the Phase 4 expansion blueprint. TBMs have become a critical tool for DMRC since Phase 1, especially in crowded urban environments.
In Phase 3 alone, about 30 TBMs were deployed to construct nearly 50 km of underground metro lines in the National Capital Region. The Tughlakabad breakthrough reinforces DMRC’s commitment to enhancing city-wide metro connectivity with minimal surface disruption.
About DMRC
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is the nodal agency responsible for planning, constructing, and operating Delhi’s metro network. Since its inception in 1995, DMRC has set benchmarks in urban mass transit with its focus on safety, punctuality, and eco-friendly practices. Recognized globally for its engineering excellence and operational efficiency, DMRC continues to expand its network through innovative technologies and sustainable infrastructure solutions.
