DMRC's Expertise in Tunnelling Projects

Rajiv Dhanker, Director - Project & Planning, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, highlights DMRC's extensive experience in tunnelling projects and their role in sharing knowledge and expertise with other agencies. He also discusses the challenges faced in Delhi's geological conditions and the lessons learned.
DMRC has been involved in tunnelling for the past 26 years, completing nearly 70 km of tunnels, with 28 km currently in progress and 11 km in the pipeline. Presently, about 20 TBMs are operating in Delhi, and work is also underway in Patna.
Over these years, DMRC’s design and field engineers have accumulated valuable knowledge from both successes and challenges. This expertise is now being shared with other executive agencies to facilitate their tunnelling efforts. Through MOUs, DMRC is responsible for proof-checking designs and ensuring quality control so that TBM operations proceed smoothly, even when faced with geological challenges.

Delhi’s Aravalli region presents a mix of hard rock and soft soil, posing significant geological difficulties. While this experience has not always been well documented, the knowledge remains with DMRC's engineers. This know-how is being extended to organizations like NHAI and KRCL. DMRC is also learning from KRCL’s experiences in the Himalayas to enhance its role as a key think-tank for tunnelling activities across India.