Delhi Metro Achieves Major Tunnelling Milestone on Golden Line

04 Mar 2025 CW Team

Engineering Feat and Challenges The tunnel, designed for parallel circular tunnels for up and down movement, was built at an average depth of 26 m, reaching a maximum depth of 36 metres at some points. Featuring 1,048 tunnel rings with an inner diameter of 5.8 metres, this segment stands as one of Delhi Metro鈥檚 deepest underground passages.

Constructed using the Earth Pressure Balancing Method (EPBM), the tunnel components were manufactured at a mechanised casting yard in Mundka and steam-cured to accelerate strength development. The tunnelling operation, which began on December 4, 2023, overcame challenging geological conditions, including steep gradients, mica, and hard rock formations. Notably, damage to the screw auger necessitated its replacement during construction, adding complexity to the project.

Phase 4 Expansion and Future Prospects As part of Phase 4, DMRC is developing 40.109 km of underground lines, with the Aerocity-Tughlakabad corridor spanning 19.343 km. This expansion will enhance connectivity, reduce congestion, and improve public transport infrastructure in Delhi NCR.

Industry and Market Outlook The Delhi Metro鈥檚 Phase 4 expansion underscores the increasing investment in urban transit projects, reflecting India鈥檚 commitment to sustainable and efficient mass transport. As more Indian cities embrace metro networks, the demand for advanced tunnelling technologies, urban rail infrastructure, and smart mobility solutions will continue to rise. With metro projects playing a crucial role in urban development, initiatives like the Golden Line are expected to boost real estate values, commercial activity, and overall urban efficiency in the coming years.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has successfully completed an underground tunnel between Chhatarpur Mandir and IGNOU Station as part of the Golden Line corridor under its ambitious Phase 4 expansion. This 1,475-m -long tunnel, constructed using a 97-m-long Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), marks a significant breakthrough in connecting Tughlakabad and Aerocity. Engineering Feat and Challenges The tunnel, designed for parallel circular tunnels for up and down movement, was built at an average depth of 26 m, reaching a maximum depth of 36 metres at some points. Featuring 1,048 tunnel rings with an inner diameter of 5.8 metres, this segment stands as one of Delhi Metro鈥檚 deepest underground passages. Constructed using the Earth Pressure Balancing Method (EPBM), the tunnel components were manufactured at a mechanised casting yard in Mundka and steam-cured to accelerate strength development. The tunnelling operation, which began on December 4, 2023, overcame challenging geological conditions, including steep gradients, mica, and hard rock formations. Notably, damage to the screw auger necessitated its replacement during construction, adding complexity to the project. Phase 4 Expansion and Future Prospects As part of Phase 4, DMRC is developing 40.109 km of underground lines, with the Aerocity-Tughlakabad corridor spanning 19.343 km. This expansion will enhance connectivity, reduce congestion, and improve public transport infrastructure in Delhi NCR. Industry and Market Outlook The Delhi Metro鈥檚 Phase 4 expansion underscores the increasing investment in urban transit projects, reflecting India鈥檚 commitment to sustainable and efficient mass transport. As more Indian cities embrace metro networks, the demand for advanced tunnelling technologies, urban rail infrastructure, and smart mobility solutions will continue to rise. With metro projects playing a crucial role in urban development, initiatives like the Golden Line are expected to boost real estate values, commercial activity, and overall urban efficiency in the coming years.

Infrastructure Transport

16 Jun 2025

Lack of Bidders Stalls VOC Port鈥檚 Rs 70.56 Bn Harbour Project Again

The VOC Port Authority鈥檚 Rs 70.56 billion outer harbour project has once again faced a setback, with the latest tender process cancelled due to the absence of qualified bidders. This marks the second failed attempt to secure participation for the mega infrastructure initiative.The tender has reportedly been withdrawn from the active list of bids, and the authority is now expected to re-evaluate and possibly restructure the project to enhance its appeal to potential developers.The port authority had initially floated the Request for Proposal (RFP) in December 2024, following the cancellation ..

Infrastructure Transport

16 Jun 2025

Sea Lord Containers Opens Cryogenic LPG Terminal in Mangalore

Sea Lord Containers (SCL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aegis Logistics, has commissioned a new cryogenic Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) terminal in Mangalore. The facility, which became operational on 12 June 2025, offers a static storage capacity of 82,000 metric tons (MT), significantly strengthening the region鈥檚 LPG logistics infrastructure.The terminal was developed by SCL on behalf of Aegis Vopak Terminals, an associate company of Aegis Logistics. The asset is expected to be transferred to Aegis Vopak Terminals Limited at a later date, with formal updates to be shared separately with st..

Infrastructure Urban

16 Jun 2025

Cochin Port and Oil India Partner for Offshore Exploration Support

The Cochin Port Authority (CoPA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Oil India (OIL) to establish a shore base facility supporting offshore oil exploration in the Kerala-Konkan Basin. The agreement was formalised at a ceremony held at CoPA, Willingdon Island, on 12 June 2025, in the presence of senior officials from both organisations.Under the partnership, Cochin Port will provide critical logistics infrastructure for OIL鈥檚 offshore drilling operations, expected to begin later in 2025. The planned shore base will include a dedicated warehouse, dry bulk handling plant, and an..