On October 22, the volcanic tunnel on the Yibin-Panzhihua Expressway in Sichuan Province celebrated a significant milestone by achieving complete dual-bore connectivity. This advancement marks a breakthrough in connectivity between Panzhihua City and Huili City in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, with the anticipated completion of the tunnel expected to reduce travel time between the two cities from two hours to around one hour.
The entrance of the volcanic tunnel is located in Chahe Village, Huili City, while the exit is in Tazha Village, Yanbian County, Panzhihua City. The left bore measures a total length of 7,145 meters, while the right bore spans 7,197 meters, with a maximum burial depth of approximately 466.9 meters. This dual-bore, bi-directional tunnel is a key project in the Ning-Pan section of the Yibin-Panzhihua Expressway. Given its complex geological structure, the tunnel faces numerous challenges, including significant deformation, water inflow, fault zones, and gas issues, making construction difficult and risky.
In light of these daunting geological conditions, the construction team has effectively integrated advanced technologies such as big data, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things into the tunnel construction process, pioneering a collaborative construction approach dubbed “Digital Tunnel Synergy.”
A project leader shared insights with reporters, explaining that in the initial stages of construction, the team developed an AI management system specifically for smart tunnel operations. This system restructured the processes and organizational framework associated with tunnel construction, establishing a connected framework for production, material allocation, cost control, and safety management. As a result, this digitized management approach has effectively reduced the number of on-site workers by 60%, serving as a practical testing ground for the nation’s “digital tunnel” construction techniques. The site has also been recognized by the Ministry of Transport as a “Research and Development Center for Automated Operation Technology in the Transportation Sector.”
The successful completion of the volcanic tunnel represents another critical achievement in the Yibin-Panzhihua Expressway project. It is projected that the Ning-Pan section will be fully operational by 2025, enhancing connectivity between various counties and cities in Liangshan Prefecture and Panzhihua City, thus improving the regional transportation landscape and external development opportunities for Liangshan.
