TERRATEC EPBM Achieves Breakthrough in Delhi Metro Phase IV Project
TERRATEC's Earth Pressure Balance Machine (EPBM), "Sonakshi," has successfully achieved a breakthrough in the Delhi Mass Rapid Transit System Project – Phase IV, Contract DC-08, for the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).
The 6.61m diameter EPBM completed its tunneling milestone under the project executed by J. Kumar Infraprojects Ltd. The achievement was marked by a ceremony attended by DMRC officials, project stakeholders, and Shri Manohar Lal Khattar, Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, reflecting the collaborative effort behind this critical infrastructure development.
The breakthrough is part of the comprehensive 65.1 km Delhi Metro Phase-IV project, with TBM S63B “Sonakshi” achieving its first breakthrough for the 6.51 km Package DC-08, connecting stations Aerocity to Kishangarh on the 23.622 km Golden Line (Line-10). TERRATEC has deployed four machines on this project, including the new TBM S111 “Narayani” for the 23.62 km Silver Line, refurbished EPBMs S63B “Sonakshi” and S64B “Shalini” for Line-3, and the recently refurbished TBM S94B, which successfully completed its Site Acceptance Test (SAT) on February 28. S94B is set to excavate a 1,556m-long tunnel from Vasant Kunj Station to Mahipalpur Station, further underscoring TERRATEC’s pivotal role in shaping India’s urban transit infrastructure.
This project highlights TERRATEC’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, with the machine being assembled in India using components sourced internationally, alongside high-quality locally manufactured equipment. The EPBM’s robust mixed-face dome-style cutterhead was specifically designed to tackle the challenging mixed ground conditions, including quartzite, sandy silt, and rock formations encountered along the alignment. The TBM mined through very challenging conditions, with rock strength exceeding 250 MPa in some locations, demonstrating its capability to handle extreme geological challenges.
Refurbished TBM “Sonakshi” successfully completed its 1,530m-long drive, demonstrating TERRATEC’s expertise in delivering reliable and efficient tunnelling solutions. As the TBM advanced, it installed 1,400mm wide by 275mm thick universal reinforced concrete lining rings, comprising five segments plus a key. Muck removal, segment transport, and consumable supply were efficiently managed using rail-bound equipment powered by battery locomotives, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
TERRATEC’s Field Service staff provided continuous onsite support throughout the tunnelling operation, ensuring optimal machine performance and the timely completion of the project. This breakthrough further solidifies TERRATEC’s reputation as a trusted partner in India’s metro and tunnelling sector.
TERRATEC’s continuing success on projects such as Phase III of the Delhi Metro, Lucknow Metro, Pune Metro, Kanpur Metro, Ahmadabad Metro, Mumbai Metro, Surat Metro, Chennai Metro and the Amar Mahal Water Tunnel project is a result of tailor-made robust TBM design, prompt onsite assistance, readily available stock of TBM spares, and highly-skilled specialized TBM support throughout tunnelling operations. As India’s metro networks continue to expand, TERRATEC remains at the forefront of delivering cutting-edge tunnelling solutions that combine innovation, reliability, and sustainability.
