: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is constructing over 100 cross passages in the underground sections of its upcoming Phase 3 project.
Cross passages in underground sections of the Metro connect two parallel underground tunnels which are generally built parallel to each other for up and down movement of trains. The passages allow people to move from one tunnel to the other on foot in case of any emergency like fire. These walkways can be used for carrying out maintenance work also.
“There will be a cross passage after approximately every 240 metres inside every underground tunnel. Cross passages are built with reinforced concrete. They are provided to serve two primary purposes— emergency escape and maintenance work,” said a metro official. Over 50 kilometres of the Phase 3 construction involve underground tunnelling.
The present Delhi Metro network has 108 cross passages. These cross passages are protected with fire door assemblies and have a fire protection rating of 1-1/2 hours with a self-closing fire door.
