The Hanoi Metro Rail Management Board (MRB) announced that on 13/4, Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) number two, named 'Tao Bao', safely reached its destination at underground station S12 Hanoi Station, completing its 4 km tunneling journey. This marks the final TBM operation, signifying the full excavation of the project's underground section, which passes through S9 Kim Ma, S10 Cat Linh, S11 Van Mieu, and S12 Hanoi Station.

Underground excavation began on 30/7/2024 with TBM one, named 'Than Toc', which started from S9 Kim Ma station at a depth of 17,8 meters. On 3/2/2025, TBM two, 'Tao Bao', commenced excavation of the second parallel tunnel. TBM one completed its first tunnel on 1/12/2025 after 16 months of work.

According to the Hanoi Metro Rail Management Board, during its operation, TBM two installed thousands of tunnel lining segments, adhering to technical standards and ensuring the safety of surface structures, even in densely populated areas with numerous heritage sites.

The underground component of the project, which includes a 4 km underground section, four underground stations, and one emergency exit shaft, is currently undergoing simultaneous construction, achieving approximately 63% progress. Specifically, package CP03, responsible for constructing the tunnels and underground stations, has reached nearly 77% completion.

Following the completion of underground excavation, construction units will proceed with internal structural elements, underground ramps, underground stations, crossovers, the garage area, and the completion of the road along Thuy Le lake.

The 4 km underground section of the Nhon - Hanoi Station Metro line has been completed after 20 months of construction. Photo: Giang Huy

The two TBMs, custom-designed for the Nhon - Hanoi Station section of metro line three, were manufactured by Germany's Herrenknecht. Each machine is over 100 meters long and weighs about 850 tons. After finishing underground drilling, the drill head will be dismantled at Hanoi Station, and the remaining equipment will be transported back to S9 Kim Ma station for disassembly.

The Nhon - Hanoi Station metro line spans 12,5 km, with 8,5 km elevated and 4 km underground. The elevated section, from Nhon to Cau Giay, commenced commercial operation on 8/8/2024. The entire line is projected to be completed in 2027.

Vo Hai