Dismantling and storing the TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) for the urban railway.

After completing their "mission" on metro line 3, the Nhon - Hanoi Station section, the two giant TBM tunnel boring robots will be dismantled and transported to a storage location for consideration for use in subsequent projects.

The Metro Line 3 project, the Nhon - Hanoi Station section, is 12.5km long and has a total investment of over 34,800 billion VND. This metro line has 8 elevated stations and 4 underground stations; of which, the 8.5km elevated Nhon - Cau Giay section has been in commercial operation since July 2024, and the 4km underground Cau Giay - Hanoi Station section is in the final stages of completion.

After more than 14 months of construction, the tunnel for urban railway line 3 has been completed. Photo: Pham Cong

Currently, MRB is coordinating with domestic and international experts to closely monitor the dismantling process of the TBM2 tunnel boring machine. Photo: Pham Cong

To construct this underground tunnel section, the Hanoi Urban Railway Management Board (MRB - the investor) mobilized two Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), each over 100 meters long and weighing approximately 750 tons. After more than 14 months of construction, TBM2 completed drilling the underground tunnel section last April.

Previously, TBM1 completed its construction in December 2025 and has been dismantled. Currently, MRB is coordinating with domestic and international experts to closely monitor the dismantling process of TBM2.

The parts will be separated for easier transportation. Photo: Pham Cong

Each part of the TBM machine takes about two days to disassemble. Photo: Pham Cong

After being disassembled, the TBM will be transported to a storage facility. Photo: Pham Cong

Each part of the machine was carefully reinforced before transportation. Photo: Pham Cong

Large cranes were brought to the construction site. Photo: Pham Cong

Mr. Vu Manh An, the commander of the tunnel boring machine project, said: “It will take us about two days to dismantle one part of the TBM machine. After that, the parts will be brought to the surface and transported to a storage location. Some parts of the machine weigh nearly 100 tons, making lifting and lowering them between tall buildings very difficult. The unit has to carefully calculate everything to avoid any mistakes.”

According to Mr. Vu Manh An, each TBM machine will take approximately more than two months to dismantle. Transportation will take place daily at night. After arriving at the storage location, the TBM machines will undergo regular maintenance for inspection and use in subsequent urban railway projects.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/thao-do-bao-quan-may-khoan-ham-duong-sat-do-thi-tbm-976311.html