Terratec's new Rock TBM to drive Delhi's Metro Phase-IV
Terratec's new Rock TBM is set to play a crucial role in the Delhi Mass Rapid Transit System Project - Phase-IV, Contract DC-08 for the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited. Terratec has delivered three machine orders for this project. This includes a combination of both brand-new and refurbished EPBMs, with the new TBM (S111) specifically assigned to construct the 23.62km long, 5.7m-wide Silver Line tunnel, connecting Aerocity to Tughlakabad via 16 stations. The anticipated launch point for TBM S111 is the Aerocity Shaft, while the previously launched TBMs, S63B and S64B, have already commenced their operations from the Kishangarh Shaft. This new 6.61m diameter Rock Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) machine named “Narayani” marks the third deployment by J.Kumar for the construction of twin tunnels spanning 6.116 km within the 65.1 km Delhi Metro Phase 4 project's Package DC-08, between Aerocity and Kishangarh stations. A milestone for this project is the manufacturing and assembly of the TBM in India with key components arriving from overseas and a range of high-quality equipment meeting Terratec’s exacting standards manufactured or procured in India. The versatile Terratec EPBM has a robust mixed-face dome-style cutterhead designed to work effectively in the expected mixed ground geological conditions. The tunnel alignments are expected to encounter quartzite, sandy silt, and rocks. As the TBM progresses, 1,400mm wide by 275mm thick universal reinforced concrete lining rings will be installed, which consist of five segments plus a key. Muck removal, segment transport and supply of consumables will be facilitated using rail-bound equipment powered by battery locomotives.