The TBM for tunnel number 1 is set to commence drilling operations from Station S9-Kim Ma on July 30th.
Following the initial 240-meter drilling phase, the machines are expected to increase their speed, reaching Station S10 by January 2025 and the final destination, Station S12, in October 2025.
As per the Hanoi Metropolitan Railway Management Board (MRB), upon completion of the drilling process, the tunnel boring machines will be uninstalled at Station S12.
In preparation for drilling, a team of 150 experts, including TBM operators, conduct daily checks on the entire system to ensure safe operations.
Vietnamese engineers and foreign experts work in close coordination to ensure the robot assembly adheres to the standards set by the German manufacturer, Herrenknecht.
The cutting shield boasts an impressive diameter of 6.55 meters and weighs a substantial 63.3 tonnes.
This marks the first drilling location for the TBM, which will begin its work on July 30th.
Segmental tunnel rings, weighing up to 4 tonnes each, will be transported on rails positioned directly behind the cutting shield.

The largest segmental tunnel ring features an inner diameter of 5,700 mm and an outer diameter of 6,300 mm.
A total of 3,488 segmental tunnel rings will be utilized for this metro line project.
On a daily basis, the TBMs drill approximately 10 meters, and tunnel linings are installed along the way.
The TBMs are operated by a team of experienced German experts.
According to the Hanoi Metropolitan Railway Management Board (MRB), each TBM is valued at US$10-15 million on the global market.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR