On the morning of October 18, the joint venture of Ilsung – DEOCA Group initiated the first drilling operations at the northern portal of Tunnel 1 for the Khe Net Pass railway improvement project. This marked the opening of the final tunnel along the route, representing a significant step forward and bringing the project closer to completion.
According to representatives of the project management board, the contractor joint venture has mobilized 220 engineers, workers, machine operators, and over 35 specialized pieces of equipment to simultaneously conduct four drilling operations across the two tunnels. To date, Tunnel 1 has reached 114 meters out of the planned 580 meters, and Tunnel 2 has achieved over 334 meters out of 355 meters. The construction value has reached 90 billion VND, exceeding the target by 5%. According to the plan, Tunnel 1 is expected to be fully excavated by April 2025, with Tunnel 2 set to open in November 2024, two months ahead of schedule.
The first drill at the northern portal of Tunnel 1.
During implementation, the project management faced several challenges, including delays in land clearance compared to the original plan and difficulties in leasing land for access roads and finding suitable waste disposal sites. Specifically, some designated waste disposal areas are on agricultural land, making site clearance challenging due to pending compensation from the investor.
Additionally, excavation at the northern portal of Tunnel 1 encountered many difficulties due to weak geological conditions, increasing risks of subsidence and landslides, which required special and cautious construction methods. Furthermore, the presence of overhangs and sliding surfaces posed constant threats to stability, necessitating regular monitoring and adjustment of construction plans. The rainy season added complexity, as groundwater and heavy rainfall could lead to flooding, impacting the project quality.
To overcome these obstacles, the project management board has actively coordinated with investors and local authorities to expedite compensation, land leasing, and site clearance. They have also implemented construction methods adapted to the current terrain and geological conditions.
"In addition, the contractor has enhanced internal training measures to improve productivity and work quality. Geological monitoring is conducted regularly to promptly adjust reinforcement measures, ensuring project safety and quality.
We are making the most of each sunny day, working three continuous shifts to maintain project progress and deliver the project to the investor as soon as possible," shared Mr. Nguyen Duy Song, Director of Package XL1, affirming that the current challenges have been mostly resolved.
Internal training on preparing acceptance and payment documentation was implemented.
Package XL01, which includes the construction of the two railway tunnels, is a crucial part of the Khe Net Pass railway improvement project on the Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City railway line. Upon completion, the project will alleviate traffic load, optimize freight and passenger transport efficiency, and contribute significantly to national economic and transport infrastructure development.
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