China has unveiled its largest self-developed tunnel-boring machine (TBM), marking a significant milestone in the nation’s infrastructure capabilities. The massive machine, capable of excavating diameters up to 16.64 meters, was officially rolled out on Thursday in Changsha, Hunan Province.
Manufactured through a collaboration between China Railway Construction Heavy Industry Co., Ltd. (CRCHI) and China Railway 14th Bureau Group Co., Ltd., the TBM measures an impressive 145 meters in length and weighs approximately 5,000 tonnes. Its cutterhead, equivalent in diameter to a five or six-story building, symbolizes China’s growing prowess in engineering and technological innovation.
“This development marks a major achievement in the industrialization of 16-meter-class, large-diameter tunnel boring technology in China,” said Zhao Hui, Chairman of CRCHI. The machine’s unveiling represents not only a technological triumph but also a leap forward in the nation’s ability to undertake large-scale infrastructure projects.
The TBM is set to play a pivotal role in a significant tunneling project beneath the Yangtze River. The project aims to create a major trans-river road link between Nantong and Taicang in Jiangsu Province, enhancing regional connectivity. Upon completion, the tunnel is expected to strengthen road networks and support integrated development in the Yangtze River Delta, boosting regional connectivity and economic growth.
The Yangtze River Delta project is anticipated to boost economic growth by facilitating transportation and trade, benefitting not only the local communities but also contributing to the broader goals of regional integration. The deployment of the newly developed TBM underscores China’s commitment to advancing its infrastructure and supporting sustainable economic development.
The successful collaboration between CRCHI and China Railway 14th Bureau Group highlights the synergy between leading Chinese enterprises in pushing the boundaries of engineering. As China continues to invest in infrastructure, such technological advancements are expected to play a crucial role in meeting the demands of complex construction projects both domestically and potentially abroad.
(With input from Xinhua)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
