What is an “underground aircraft carrier”? Why are Chinese-manufactured “underground aircraft carriers” so popular in Turkey? Recently, a reporter from our station visited a high-speed rail construction site in Istanbul, where they witnessed firsthand the immense power of domestically-produced “underground aircraft carriers” alongside Turkish engineers in dusty tunnels. Watch the video to see how the “King of Chinese Machinery” is forging new connections along the Eurasian railway!
Unlocking the Key Route: Chinese Tunnel Boring Machines Aid Turkey’s Rail Expansion
Ahmed, a Turkish tunnel boring machine engineer with five years of experience, has been working on the “Hakkari-Isparta-Kule” high-speed rail project in Turkey. This initiative involves two tunnel boring machines (TBMs) from China that are tirelessly working around the clock to carve through challenging terrain, including mountains and lakes. One machine has bored over 4 kilometers while the other has surpassed 5 kilometers, moving ahead at a steady pace of approximately 20 meters per day.
As Ahmed guided us into the tunnel, he explained the diverse rock formations they are encountering, including clay, silt, sandstone, gravel, shale, and limestone, as well as the complexity of crossing a lake. Despite the tough conditions, the two Chinese TBMs are handling the work with ease. This success is attributed to the manufacturer’s ability to customize the machines for the project, adapting tools and operational systems to suit the specific challenges encountered.
Ahmed emphasized that the Chinese tunnel boring machines are not only crucial for opening the critical segments of the “Hakkari-Isparta-Kule” high-speed railway but also do so with remarkable stability and efficiency. During the boring process, the machines simultaneously assemble segments of the tunnel, effectively constructing as they advance.
Veteran Engineer: “We’ll Be Sourcing More from China!”
Many Turkish engineers and workers on the project have expressed their admiration, giving the Chinese TBMs thumbs up for their efficient operation and reliable performance. They noted the positive collaboration between Turkish and Chinese teams, fostering profound friendships. Ahmed excitedly shared a “little secret” with us: “Looking ahead to our next project, we plan to head back to China to order another TBM!”
The Hakkari-Isparta-Kule high-speed railway is one of Turkey’s vital infrastructure initiatives. Once completed, it will connect Turkey to European rail transport, becoming part of the Eurasian railway corridor. Passenger travel time will decrease from 4 hours to just 1.5 hours, and freight transport times will be reduced from 6.5 hours to 2.5 hours.
China Supplies 7 out of 10 Tunnel Boring Machines Globally
The tunnel boring machine, often dubbed the “underground aircraft carrier” or the “king of engineering machinery,” serves as a key benchmark for a nation’s manufacturing prowess. In the past, China faced constraints in TBM technology due to foreign monopolies, but after years of exploration and effort, the country has not only developed TBMs with independent intellectual property rights but has also begun exporting them globally, supporting infrastructure projects in multiple countries.
Today, 7 out of every 10 tunnel boring machines in the world are produced in China. These domestically-made “underground aircraft carriers” are crossing mountains, rivers, and even oceans, providing the world with Chinese equipment, solutions, and wisdom for rail transit development.
