Delhi Metro to soundproof its stations in Phase III

In Phase III of Delhi Metro, all underground stations will be soundproof. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has used mass spring system (MSS), an international technology, on 53.8-kilometre stretch of the new 160-kilometre network to cut down vibrations. Here’s what will be different.

Where will this technology be used?

The technology will be used in underground sections of Phase-III such as Central Secretariat to Kashmere Gate (Line 6), Majlis Park to Shiv Vihar (Line 7) and Janakpuri West to Kalindi Kunj (Line 8) .

MSS will be used at locations within 25m of the horizontal distance of the tunnel and within 15m of the top of the tunnel.

This system is already in use on urban rail networks like Hong Kong, London, Vienna, Berlin, Singapore, Seoul and Sao Paulo, said a metro official.

How will it help?

Bringing down vibrations will ensure the trains running on the MSS-enabled tracks produce less noise.

Delhi metro in phase III will be crossing through several heritage buildings, old structures, hospitals and monuments. Since this technology produces less vibration, it is safer for these structures, especially those in Old Delhi areas.

Earlier, there have been reports of cracks surfacing in houses in Begampur and Green Park due vibration produced by metro trains.

DMRC spokesperson Anuj Dayal said, “MSS is an advanced technology so we decided to go ahead with it. This technology will definitely help minimise vibrations.”

How does this technology work?

MSS helps mitigate vibrations generated by the trains. It elastically separates the track slabs in the tunnels from the supporting structure.

Use of MSS helps in minimizing the transmission of vibrations (structure-borne noise) to the other structures in the vicinity of tracks.

MSS also effectively reduces the development of audible secondary airborne noise, which is caused by the vibration of buildings.