CRCHI TBMs Ready for South Korea Power Infrastructure Project

Wedoany.com Report-Dec.12, China Railway Construction Heavy Industry Corporation Limited (CRCHI) has secured a contract to supply six tunnel boring machines (TBMs) for the new high-voltage power cable tunnel project in the Seoul metropolitan area, South Korea. The order makes CRCHI the largest TBM supplier for this major underground infrastructure initiative.

Two CRCHI slurry TBMs rolled off the production line on November 24

The project will construct a deep-level electricity transmission tunnel designed to meet rapidly rising power demand across the greater Seoul region. The new conduit will carry high-voltage cables to strengthen grid capacity and reliability in one of Asia’s most densely populated urban centres.

The tunnel route presents complex geological conditions, including high-strength hard rock, multiple fault zones and sections of weathered rock. Additional technical challenges include long continuous tunnelling distances, elevated groundwater pressure, high rock hardness and tight curve radii along the alignment.

CRCHI’s six TBMs have been specifically engineered to address these demanding conditions, incorporating advanced rock-cutting technology, high-pressure sealing systems and enhanced steering capability for small-radius curves.

The delivery of multiple machines from a single manufacturer is expected to streamline equipment compatibility, spare-parts logistics and technical support throughout the tunnelling phase, contributing to overall project efficiency.

Construction of the power cable tunnel is scheduled proceed in several phases, with CRCHI’s TBMs playing a central role in achieving the required excavation progress under challenging ground conditions. The completed tunnel will provide a secure, long-term solution for expanding electricity transmission capacity to support continued economic and population growth in the Seoul metropolitan area.