A super large cross-section rectangular pipe jacking machine was successfully put into use on Tuesday in the construction of a metro station in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang province, China News Service reported.

Jointly developed by China Railway Engineering Equipment Group and China Railway No 10 Engineering Group, the machine, the first of its kind in the country, features a cross-section measuring 12.02 meters in width and 8.72 meters in height.

It was used in the construction of parking lines in Huajiachi Station, part of the first phase project of the city's metro line No 18. The line runs 48.3 kilometers entirely underground and serves as a key corridor in Hangzhou's urban rail transit system.

With customized technology, low-disturbance methods, and strict safety standards, the machine adapts to complex geological and urban conditions while minimizing impacts on surrounding strata, surface buildings, underground pipelines, and road traffic.

Based on an integrated system, it balances efficiency with space utilization, delivering high safety and reliability, reduced costs, and significantly shorter construction periods.