Robbins TBMs Break Through at Delhi Metro DC-07 Project

Robbins announced the successful breakthrough of two 6.65 m diameter Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) TBMs on India’s Delhi Metro Phase IV DC‑07 package, achieving a seamless drive from Airforce Station to Tughlakabad Railway Colony Station via Maa Anandmayee Marg Station.

This milestone reinforces Robbins’ commitment to delivering high-performance TBM solutions for critical urban transit projects across India. “This breakthrough is not just a milestone in tunneling, but a testament to the robustness of Robbins technology and the strong collaboration between our field teams and Afcons. The performance of the PLC systems throughout the DC-07 drives was exceptional, ensuring real-time control and precision even in highly variable ground conditions,” said Laxman Khatri, PLC Expert, Robbins India.

The twin TBM drives totaled 2,469 rings, spanning a combined 3,456.6 m of tunnel. Drive 1 totaled 2,651.6 m between Airforce Station and Maa Anandmayee Marg, while Drive 2 totaled 791 m between Maa Anandmayee Marg and Tughlakabad Railway Colony.

The recent breakthroughs in early June 2025 mark the completion of Robbins’ tunneling scope under the DC‑07 package. The drives successfully passed through densely populated urban sectors with difficult logistics and challenging mixed-ground geology consisting of rock with gravel, sand, silt and clay—all with minimal surface impact.

“From launch to breakthrough, our focus was on delivering precision tunneling with minimal surface disruption and maximum efficiency. Despite complex logistics and mixed ground conditions, both drives were completed on schedule with excellent performance. This success reflects the strength of Robbins machines and the dedication of our field teams,” said Gaurav Singh Bisht, Field Service Manager, Robbins India.

This accomplishment marks another successful chapter in Robbins’ long-standing partnership with owner Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and contractor Afcons Infrastructure Limited, contributing to the transformation of Delhi’s urban mobility infrastructure.

With the tunneling phase for DC-07 now completed, Robbins will continue to assist Afcons Infrastructure Limited during TBM dismantling and removal from the tunnels.