TBM ‘Lightning Speed’ Reaches S12 Station. (Video: Phung Anh)
According to VTV News reporters at the scene, at around 10 a.m. today (December 1), Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) No. 1, named “Lightning Speed,” officially reached S12 Station – Hanoi Station, completing its entire tunneling journey through the first four underground stations of the Nhon – Hanoi Railway Urban Railway Line 3 project.
A representative from MRB stated that TBM1 “Lightning Speed” began tunneling from S9 Station (Kim Ma) on July 30, 2024. To date, the machine has completed its entire journey, passing through four underground stations: S9 (Kim Ma), S10 (Cat Linh), S11 (Van Mieu), and S12 (Hanoi Station).
The Nhon – Hanoi Railway Urban Railway Line 3, which began construction in 2009, spans 12.5 km (8.5 km elevated and 4 km underground). The line includes 12 stations: 8 elevated stations (Nhon, Minh Khai, Phu Dien, Cau Dien, Le Duc Tho, Hanoi National University, Chua Ha, Cau Giay) and 4 underground stations (Kim Ma, Cat Linh, Van Mieu, Hanoi Station).
This marks the first time Hanoi has employed TBM technology for urban tunnel construction in a densely populated area with complex infrastructure and numerous heritage sites.
“Lightning Speed’s” journey signifies a crucial milestone in the construction progress of the nearly 4 km underground segment of the project, showcasing Vietnam’s capabilities in underground construction.
Throughout the tunneling process, TBM “Lightning Speed” operated safely, installing a total of 1,720 tunnel segments, meeting all technical, safety, and environmental requirements. Tunneling through sensitive heritage areas and existing structures was closely monitored to ensure no impact on the surface. After reaching S12 Station, the TBM’s cutting head will be dismantled on-site, while auxiliary equipment will be transported back and dismantled at S9 Station – Kim Ma.
Meanwhile, TBM2 “Bold Speed” continues tunneling the remaining segment and is advancing toward S11 Station. As of December 1, 2025, the overall progress of CP03 (tunnels and underground stations) has exceeded 72%. Tunnel segment casting has completed 3,395 out of 3,495 rings, meeting the requirements for both TBMs.
Mr. Nguyen Ba Son, Deputy Head of the Hanoi Railway Management Board (MRB), emphasized, “The arrival of TBM1 ‘Lightning Speed’ at S12 Station is a historic milestone, demonstrating the dedication and efforts of the entire project team. Today’s achievement is the result of close guidance from the Hanoi People’s Committee, collaboration among departments, consultants, contractors, and especially the support of Hanoi’s residents.”
Mr. Park Young Ill, representative of the Hyundai – Ghella Consortium, shared, “TBM technology is the most advanced tunneling method available today and is being applied in Hanoi for the first time. Given the complex geological conditions and numerous cultural and historical sites on the surface, preparation and construction were executed with utmost caution. The success of TBM1 provides a strong foundation for our confidence in TBM2’s success.”
Mr. Nguyen Quoc Bao, Deputy General Director of FECON, stressed, “The safe operation of TBM1 demonstrates that Vietnamese engineers and contractors can master complex underground construction technology with the support of international partners. For FECON, this technical achievement underscores our capability in executing large-scale infrastructure projects.”
The Nhon – Hanoi Urban Railway Line is a key transportation project in Hanoi, contributing to reducing traffic congestion, enhancing public transport, and improving the urban environment.
Continuous monitoring of ground movement, subsidence, and structural stability along the route ensures absolute safety. The Hanoi Urban Railway Management Board will continue close coordination with relevant units to complete the remaining components, aiming to put the metro line into operation as planned.
The TBM duo (“Lightning Speed” and “Bold Speed”) was specifically designed for the Nhon – Hanoi Railway Urban Railway Line 3 project. Manufactured by Herrenknecht (Germany), each machine is over 100 meters long and weighs approximately 850 tons.
TBMs operate on the Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) principle. A sealed bulkhead is positioned behind the cutting shield, allowing excavated soil to fall into a sealed chamber, maintaining pressure balance between excavated and unexcavated soil. This stabilizes the cutting face and prevents collapse. Concurrently, tunnel segments are installed immediately behind the machine. The continuous cycle of excavation and segment installation ensures safety and minimizes environmental impact.
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