On April 9th, it was reported by media that the construction of the Jintang Subsea Tunnel on the Ningbo-Zhoushan Railway has achieved a significant milestone. The cutterhead of the "Dinghai," hailed as the "giant" among tunnel boring machines, has been successfully connected with the main machine. This marks a solid step forward in the construction of the world's longest and most geologically complex subsea high-speed rail tunnel.
Stretching an impressive 16.18 kilometers in length, the Jintang Subsea Tunnel poses unprecedented construction challenges. Faced with such complexity in geological conditions, the construction team opted for the "Dinghai," a gigantic tunnel boring machine with a diameter of up to 14.57 meters, a total length of approximately 135 meters, and a weight of around 4350 tons.
Comprising numerous precision components, each meticulously designed and manufactured, this machine ensures stable operation in the harsh underwater environment.
After months of maritime and overland transport, overcoming arduous journeys spanning thousands of miles, the "Dinghai" has finally arrived at the construction site. The successful connection of the cutterhead with the main machine now prepares the tunnel excavation. This progress not only showcases China's advanced expertise in tunnel construction technology but also reflects the wisdom and courage of Chinese railway constructors.
The significance of the Ningbo-Zhoushan High-speed Railway construction is profound. Once operational, it will completely end Zhoushan's history of being inaccessible by rail, significantly reducing travel time between Hangzhou and Zhoushan to as little as 77 minutes. This will greatly promote economic and cultural exchanges between Zhoushan and its surrounding regions, driving the prosperity and development of the regional economy.
