On December 1, the TBM No. 1 tunnel digger robot, named "Than Phat", reached the finish line at S12 Station - Hanoi Railway Station, completing the drilling journey through the first 4 underground stations of the No. 3 Urban Railway Project, Nhon - Hanoi Railway Station section.
TBM1 " expressway" started its journey from S9 station (Kim Ma) on July 30, 2024. Up to now, this TBM has completed the entire tunnel drilling journey, passing through underground stations S9 (Kim Ma), S10 (Cat Linh), S11 (Van Mieu) and S12 (Hanoi station). This is the first time in the capital that TBM tunnel excavation technology has been operated through the central urban area, passing through an area with high population density, technical infrastructure and special cultural heritage.
The journey of Than Phap marks an important step forward in the construction progress of the nearly 4km underground section of the project, and at the same time opens a new milestone in the construction capacity of urban underground works in Vietnam.
After the drilling at S12 Station - Hanoi Station is completed, the drilling head of the TBMs will be dismantled at this station; the remaining auxiliary equipment system will be pulled back and continued to be dismantled at S9 Station - Kim Ma.
However, the TBM2 machine named "Brave" is also making efforts to construct the remaining tunnel section. TBM2 is currently continuing its journey to S11 station. As of December 1, 2025, the overall construction progress of the CP03 package - Tunnels and underground stations has reached more than 72%. The contractor cast 3,395/3,495 tunnel lining rings, meeting the service progress of 2 TBMs in operation.
According to Mr. Park Young Ill - Project Director, representative of the Hyundai - Ghella (HGU) consortium, TBM technology is the most advanced tunnel excavation method today. The construction is carried out with high expertise and strictly complies with safety requirements. Thanks to this comprehensive preparation, all difficulties and obstacles are handled effectively. The successful experience with TBM1 is the basis for believing in the success of TBM2, currently constructing the section between Station S10 and Station S11.
According to MrB's leader, the Nhon - Hanoi Railway Station Urban Railway Project is a key transport project of the capital, contributing to reducing congestion, improving the public transport system and protecting the environment.
During the TBM tunnel construction process, monitoring work was closely carried out to monitor the situation of moved and subsidence of the ground, the stable status of buildings and works along the route; thereby promptly taking measures to handle and ensure the safety of existing works as well as the quality of tunnel construction.
