Delhi Metro Phase 4: DMRC Completes First Twin Tunnel Breakthrough-All Details Inside

New Delhi: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has successfully completed its first twin tunnel breakthrough as part of the Phase-IV expansion, according to an official statement. This milestone features the longest twin tunnels constructed under this phase, stretching approximately 3 kilometres.The breakthrough occurred at Pulbangash Metro Station on Wednesday, with the twin tunnel boring machines (TBMs) Bhoomi and Srishti emerging simultaneously. These tunnels connect Derawal Nagar to Pulbangash on the Janakpuri West-R K Ashram corridor, an extension of the Magenta Line.In just over 14 months, the TBMs covered a length of approximately 2,997 metres at an average rate of 8.2 metres per tunnel per day, marking the longest tunnelling drive in DMRC's Phase IV works. The 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, highlighted the significance of this achievement, emphasising the organisation’s commitment to providing safe and efficient transportation infrastructure for Delhi’s residents."Afcons is executing the DC-05 package that includes six underground stations, tunnelling of 14.4km including crossover, 10 cross passages, and 170m open and underground ramp. Today 3 km of twin tunnelling has been completed from Derawal Nagar to Pulbangash," the company said in a statement.The twin tunnels, excavated at a depth of 14–15 metres, pass through densely populated areas such as Rana Pratap Bagh and Punjabi Basti Colony and cross beneath the Najafgarh drain. Despite the challenges of tunnelling through submerged water conditions and navigating the under-construction Ghanta Ghar station, no damage was reported to any structures.The tunnels, with an internal diameter of 5.8 metres, are equipped with six cross passages for passenger safety. The civil work for this section was carried out by contractor M/s Afcons. TBM Bhoomi began operations on June 18, 2023, followed by TBM Srishti on August 19, 2023.(With PTI inputs)