Delhi Metro completes deepest tunnel for Aerocity-Tughlakabad line

The Delhi Metro has reached a major milestone in its Phase-4 project. The Aerocity-Tughlakabad line has completed the construction of its deepest tunnel yet. This tunnel, located at an average depth of 27 metres, is a significant addition to the metro system. The new tunnel was inspected by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa at the IGNOU Station site. The deepest section of this line runs from the Chhatarpur temple. Its depth ranges from a minimum of 18 metres to a maximum of 39 metres, making it deeper than previous Delhi Metro tunnels. This achievement follows the completion of a parallel tunnel between Chhatarpur Mandir and IGNOU on February 25. With both tunnels finished, the project is moving closer to completion. Earlier, the Delhi Metro constructed a 30-metre-deep tunnel for the Magenta Line and a 45-metre-deep tunnel for the Airport Express Line. Constructing this deep tunnel was challenging. Workers installed around 1,048 rings for the tunnel lining using the Earth Pressure Balancing Method. These rings were made in a special casting yard and were strengthened with steam curing. The construction faced difficulties due to steep slopes and hard rocks, which sometimes damaged equipment. Safety measures were in place, with constant monitoring of ground movements nearby. On Tuesday morning, a 97-metre-long Tunnel Boring Machine successfully completed the excavation of a 1,460-metre-long tunnel. This marks the third successful breakthrough for the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation in just four weeks, highlighting fast progress on the project.