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Key Points

The DMRC has achieved a major tunnelling milestone on the Golden Line’s Phase 4 expansion, connecting Kishangarh and Vasant Kunj. A 91-metre TBM completed a 1,550-metre tunnel using advanced EPBM technology. Safety measures ensured no ground settlement during construction beneath existing structures. This marks significant progress in Delhi Metro’s 40.109 km underground Phase 4 expansion.

Key Points: DMRC Completes Major Tunnelling on Delhi Metro Phase 4 Golden Line

  • 1,550-metre tunnel built using 91-metre TBM
  • EPBM tech ensures safety in congested urban areas
  • Underground Phase 4 expansion spans 40.109 km
  • TBM deployment reduces surface disruption
3 min read

DMRC achieves major tunnelling breakthrough on Phase 4 Golden Line

Delhi Metro achieves tunnelling breakthrough between Kishangarh and Vasant Kunj using a 91-metre TBM, marking a key Phase 4 milestone.

"DMRC Completes another Major Tunnelling Milestone on Phase 4 Golden Line; Breakthrough at Vasant Kunj Metro Station. – DMRC"

New Delhi, June 25

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has achieved a significant milestone in the ongoing Phase 4 expansion by completing a major underground tunnelling task between Kishangarh and Vasant Kunj stations on the Tughlakabad-Aerocity corridor of the Golden Line.

The breakthrough was achieved when a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) completed its journey this morning at Vasant Kunj Metro Station after constructing a 1,550-metre-long tunnel, using a 91-metre-long TBM.

The DMRC took to social media to announce about this development. In a social media post on X, it stated, "DMRC Completes another Major Tunnelling Milestone on Phase 4 Golden Line; Breakthrough at Vasant Kunj Metro Station. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) today achieved a major construction milestone in Phase 4 with the completion of an underground tunnel between Kishangarh and Vasant Kunj Station on the Tughlakabad-Aerocity corridor."

"A Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) broke through this morning at Vasant Kunj Station after boring a 1550 meter-long tunnel. This tunnel breakthrough was achieved using a mammoth 91-metre-long TBM. Two parallel circular tunnels for up and down movement are being constructed on this stretch as part of the Aerocity-Tughlakabad corridor. The breakthrough on the other parallel tunnel was achieved on 06.03.2025," it added.

https://x.com/OfficialDMRC/status/1937825334012830004

According to the DMRC, this new tunnel has been constructed at an average depth of approximately 22.86 meters (min depth 15.48 mtr & max. 30.25). About 1105 rings have been installed in the tunnel, with an inner diameter of 5.8 meters.

The tunnel has been built using the proven technology of EPBM (Earth Pressure Balancing Method) with a concrete lining made of precast tunnel rings. These tunnel rings were cast at a fully mechanized casting yard set up at Mundka. The concrete segments were cured with a steam curing system to achieve early strength.

All necessary safety precautions were taken during the construction of the tunnel below the existing structures. Ground movements were monitored with highly sensitive instruments fixed on nearby structures, ensuring that there was no settlement anywhere, the DMRC stated.

As part of the Phase 4 work approved so far, 40.109 kilometres of underground lines are being constructed. The Aerocity-Tughlakabad corridor has underground sections totalling 19.343 kilometres.

A TBM is a machine used to excavate tunnels with a circular cross-section through various soil and rock strata. They can be designed to bore through anything from hard rock to sand. TBMs have revolutionized tunnelling work worldwide, enabling tunnels to be bored without disturbing buildings and other surface structures.

TBMs are particularly useful for underground tunnelling work in congested urban areas. DMRC has been using TBMs for its tunneling work since Phase 1. In Phase 3, when approximately 50 kilometres of underground sections were built, about 30 TBMs were deployed in the national capital.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Great news for Delhi's infrastructure! The Golden Line will be a game-changer for South Delhi connectivity. Hope they maintain the same quality standards as previous phases. The DMRC has truly transformed how we commute in NCR. 🇮🇳
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Priya M.
As a Vasant Kunj resident, I'm thrilled! Our area desperately needed better metro connectivity. Though the construction caused some temporary inconvenience, it's worth it for long-term benefits. Kudos to the engineers working underground in these challenging conditions 🙌
A
Amit S.
Impressive engineering feat! But I hope DMRC also focuses on last-mile connectivity. What's the use of such advanced tunnels if we have to walk 2km or wait for unreliable autos to reach our final destination? The metro system needs holistic planning.
N
Neha T.
The precision required for tunneling under existing structures is mind-blowing! 22 meters deep with zero settlement issues shows world-class engineering. Delhi Metro continues to make us proud with such projects. When will Phase 4 be fully operational though? The wait seems endless!
V
Vikram J.
While I appreciate the progress, I'm concerned about the environmental impact. All this concrete and underground work must be affecting groundwater levels. Hope DMRC is doing proper environmental assessments and not just focusing on construction milestones.
S
Sunita R.
As a daily metro commuter, I just hope they maintain cleanliness and crowd management in the new lines. The existing lines are getting too crowded during peak hours. More lines are good, but we need better management too! 😊
K
Karan P.

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