World's Longest Underwater High-Speed Rail Tunnel Drilling Machine Launched in China
China has set another milestone in the field of engineering and infrastructure development with the introduction of the world's longest underwater high-speed rail tunnel drilling machine. The machine, named "Rui Long," was launched on February 26 and will be used for the construction of the 164-kilometer-long Yongzhou Railway Jintang Tunnel, the longest underwater tunnel in the world, which will connect Ningbo and Zhoushan cities. The launch of the "Rui Long" drilling machine signifies a significant accomplishment for China's high-speed rail industry, as the country continues to expand its network and strengthen its position as a global leader in transportation infrastructure.
26 February 2024
The tunnel, once completed, will provide a faster, more convenient, and reliable means of transportation for millions of passengers traveling between Ningbo and Zhoushan. This ambitious project is expected to boost economic growth and development in the Yangtze River Delta region and beyond. The "Rui Long" drilling machine, designed and developed by China Railway Engineering Equipment Group Co.
Ltd. (CREG), is a massive undertaking, with a diameter of 14.57 meters. It is set to excavate the undersea tunnel at a depth of up to 78 meters beneath the sea bed, traversing through 14 different rock layers and crossing over a massive 10 million tons of maritime traffic. After excavation, the machine will ensure a precise connection with the onshore tunnel systems, showcasing China's technological prowess in the realm of large-scale engineering projects. "Rui Long," which translates to "auspicious dragon" in English, is expected to tunnel through the Jintang Tunnel in approximately 34 months, a remarkable feat considering the challenging geological conditions it will face.
The launch of the drilling machine garnered widespread praise and excitement on China's social media platform Weibo, with users expressing their admiration for the country's technological advancements and engineering capabilities, many referring to China as a "dragon" on the rise. "World's Longest Underwater High-Speed Rail Tunnel Drilling Machine Launched in China," a Weibo user wrote, "Leaving nearby residents thrilled by the prospect of experiencing the high-speed rail once it's complete." Another user commented, "Tunneling the sea bed – is China planning to develop Hainan Island next?"
The enthusiasm and pride expressed by netizens on Weibo reflect the growing sense of national pride associated with China's rapid progress and technological achievements. This has led to the emergence of the so-called "technology nationalism" in China, where citizens celebrate their country's advancements in science and technology, particularly in fields such as space exploration and artificial intelligence.
The Jintang Tunnel project is set to strengthen China's already robust high-speed rail infrastructure, allowing for seamless integration between cities in the Yangtze River Delta region, a key economic area in the country. Once completed, the Jintang Tunnel will join other impressive tunnel projects, such as the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, a testament to China's engineering capabilities and the country's commitment to tackling complex infrastructure challenges head-on. In conclusion, the launch of the "Rui Long" drilling machine for the world's longest underwater high-speed rail tunnel marks a significant milestone for China's transportation infrastructure and highlights the nation's technological prowess in large-scale engineering projects. As the project progresses over the next few years, it will not only provide a faster and more convenient means of transportation for millions of passengers but also serve as a symbol of China's growing influence in the realm of global infrastructure development.