Afcons Infrastructure Achieves Milestone with DMRC’s Longest Tunnel Drive

Afcons Infrastructure has reached a monumental milestone in the development of Delhi Metro’s Phase IV by completing the longest tunnel drive on the Aerocity-Tughlakabad corridor. The feat was achieved using Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) AMRIT, renowned for its efficiency in cutting through challenging terrain. This remarkable engineering accomplishment underscores the company’s expertise in delivering large-scale infrastructure projects.

The tunnel spans from the Tughlakabad Airforce Launching Shaft to Maa Anandmayee Marg Station, part of the DC-07 package. The package comprises three stations: Maa Anandmayee Marg, Tughlakabad Railway Colony, and Tughlakabad Station. Covering 11.26 km of tunnelling, the project also includes a 223-metre ramp and a 119-metre cut-and-cover section. The total corridor stretches over 23.62 km, enhancing connectivity between Aerocity and Tughlakabad. A 105-metre-long TBM equipped with advanced cutting tools was instrumental in this achievement. It used 1,894 rings with an inner diameter of 5.8 metres to navigate and bore through hard rock and mixed soil efficiently. The project’s success was further marked by its careful planning to avoid disruptions to nearby monumental structures along Mehrauli-Badarpur Road.

S. Paramasivan, Managing Director of Afcons Infrastructure, expressed pride in the team’s efforts, emphasizing their precision and commitment to meeting project deadlines without compromising safety and quality. The project not only signifies an engineering marvel but also reflects the hard work of countless engineers and workers who toiled under challenging conditions to bring this vision to life. “It’s not just about tunnelling; it’s about connecting people and places,” said Rajiv Dhankher, Director of Projects and Planning at DMRC, during an on-site event with senior officials. Once operational, the Aerocity-Tughlakabad corridor will feature two parallel circular tunnels to ensure seamless traffic flow. The next phase of tunnelling, targeting the second parallel tunnel, is scheduled to commence in January 2025. This corridor will enhance urban mobility, offering residents and commuters a faster, more efficient transit solution. Afcons Infrastructure’s milestone reflects not only technological advancement but also its pivotal role in shaping India’s transportation landscape.