Tunneling completed in Meerut section of Delhi-Meerut (RRTS) RAPIDX Corridor

Meerut, India (Metro Rail Today): The Delhí-Ghaziabad-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) project has reached a momentous achievement with the successful completion of tunnelling in the underground section of Meerut. This significant milestone was made possible by the dedicated and persevering efforts of the NCRTC team, marking a remarkable feat in urban transportation development.

On Tuesday, 25th July 2023, a historic moment unfolded as Sudarshan 8.2, the Tunneling Boring Machine, began the retrieval process of boring the sixth tunnel from Bhainsali to Begumpul. Descending to a depth of 14 meters from the retrieving shaft at Begumpul, this marked the successful conclusion of the tunnelling process in Meerut, a crucial phase of the Delhí-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor.

Meerut's underground section is an architectural marvel connecting three vital stations - Meerut Central, Bhainsali, and Begumpul - as part of the RRTS corridor. To ensure a seamless and efficient transit experience, a total of six parallel tunnels were meticulously constructed in three segments. The sixth and final tunnel, stretching over one kilometer between Bhainsali and Begumpul, now stands as a testament to engineering ingenuity.

The achievement of completing the tunnelling process in Meerut, encompassing approximately 5.5 km of underground infrastructure, is a testament to the unwavering dedication and perseverance of the NCRTC team. Within a commendable duration of just 15 months, all three sets of parallel tunnels were successfully completed, with the first tunnel breakthrough achieved in October 2022. Presently, track laying and OHE installation are underway in the already completed tunnels, propelling the project towards its next phase.

About 35,000 pre-cast segments played a pivotal role in the construction of all six tunnels in Meerut. Each segment, 1.5 meters long and 275 mm thick, was combined to form a single ring, connected securely with the use of bolts. With a highly optimized diameter of 6.5 meters, the RRTS tunnels in Meerut adhere to global benchmarks for tunnels designed to support a similar design speed of 180 Kmph, while accommodating wider and higher rolling stock.

The tunnelling process encountered various challenges, particularly as it traversed congested areas within the city, passing beneath the Begumpul drain en route to the Begumpul station. To navigate this complex terrain, Sudarshan 8.2 (TBM) employed the latest techniques, complemented by the unwavering vigilance and expertise of tunneling professionals. Additionally, the presence of a sharp bend with a 600-meter radius demanded immense precision during the tunneling process, a task that Team NCRTC approached with diligence and care.

Meerut Central and Bhainsali stations will serve as essential metro hubs, while Begumpul station will provide the services of both local metro and RAPIDX. Within the RRTS network, NCRTC plans to offer local transit services through Meerut Metro, featuring 13 stations and covering a distance of 23 km. Scheduled for public operation by 2025, the Delhí-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor is set to revolutionize urban transportation in Meerut, promising a modern, efficient, and comfortable mode of travel for its commuters.