On February 3rd, the Hanoi Urban Rail Management Board (MRB) along with consultants and contractors officially launched the second tunnel boring machine (TBM), named “Bold,” for the underground section of Hanoi’s pilot urban railway line, from Nhổn to Hanoi Station. This marks a significant milestone in the completion of this key transportation project.
The Second Tunnel Boring Machine Begins Operation
Previously, on July 30, 2024, the first TBM named “Swift” was put into operation and has since bored nearly 1,000 meters of tunnel. Like “Swift,” the “Bold” TBM will start boring from Kim Ma Station at a depth of about 18 meters. With a standard speed of approximately 10 meters per day, it will proceed to the next stations along the planned route.
The second tunnel boring machine
The TBM number 2 began boring on February 3rd (Photo: Tuấn Lương).
According to the plan, the total time required to complete the tunnel boring using both TBMs is 16 months. After finishing at S12 station, the TBMs will be dismantled, while the auxiliary equipment will be transported back and dismantled at Kim Ma Station.
Challenges and Solutions During Construction
Mr. Nguyễn Bá Sơn, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Urban Rail Management Board, shared that operating the first TBM encountered numerous challenges due to complex geological conditions. However, by collecting comprehensive geological data, engineers have adjusted and optimized the operations of the second TBM, ensuring smoother and more efficient tunneling.
Mr. Park Young III, Project Director of the Hyundai & Ghella consortium, emphasized that the team involved in the project are highly experienced professionals in managing and operating TBMs for major urban rail projects worldwide. FECON Joint Stock Company is directly responsible for operating the TBMs, with technical support from international experts from Tunnel Pro (Italy) and the International Tunnelling Association.
To ensure safety during construction, the project employs advanced geotechnical monitoring systems to supervise ground movement and subsidence. All tunneling activities are conducted carefully under strict control.
Project Progress and Completion Expectations
According to the Hanoi Urban Rail Management Board, as of now, the overall progress of package CP03 – tunnels and underground stations has reached 53.46%. Work sites are operating synchronously to ensure the project is completed on schedule. The underground section is expected to be finished by 2027, after which the entire Line 3, from Nhổn to Hanoi Station, will be operational.
The TBMs were custom-designed by Herrenknecht (Germany) for this project, measuring over 100 meters in length, weighing about 850 tons, and involving over 150 specialized personnel. This demonstrates the serious investment and large scale of the project.
Conclusion
The launch of the “Bold” TBM not only represents a significant technical advancement but also underscores Hanoi’s commitment to building a modern public transport system, contributing to reducing traffic congestion and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. Stay tuned for further achievements of the Nhổn-Hanoi Station metro project in the near future!
Source: Dân Trí
