First TBM for Thane-Borivali Twin Tunnel Project Clears Factory Test
05 Mar 2025
3 Min Read
CW Team
The first of four Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) designated for the construction of the 11.84-kilometre Thane-Borivali twin tunnel project has successfully passed Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) at the manufacturing facility of German firm Herrenknecht in Alinjivakkam, Tamil Nadu. Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd (MEIL), the company executing the project under the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), confirmed this development in an official release. The TBM, designated as S-1400A, is the first of four single-shield hard-rock TBMs that will be deployed to construct the crucial tunnel linking Ekta Nagar in Borivali with Tikuji-Ni-Wadi at Manpada in Thane, passing beneath the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP).
MEIL stated that the TBM would arrive at the project site in April, with tunneling expected to commence before the onset of the monsoon. The second TBM is scheduled to undergo its factory tests later in March, and both machines are expected to begin excavation work simultaneously by the time the monsoon arrives. The remaining two TBMs will follow, ensuring a phased approach to executing this critical infrastructure project. Once completed, the tunnels will consist of three lanes in each direction and will be constructed at a maximum depth of 23 metres below the surface.
These TBMs represent a significant advancement in tunneling technology, as each is equipped with a 13.2-metre diameter cutterhead鈥攖he largest ever deployed in Mumbai. This surpasses the 12.19-metre cutterhead used in the Mumbai Coastal Road Project鈥檚 TBM Mavala (DZ636), which successfully excavated twin tunnels between 2021 and 2023. The larger cutterheads will enhance the efficiency of excavation, helping the project meet its ambitious construction timeline while ensuring structural integrity.
The Thane-Borivali twin tunnel project is expected to be a game-changer for Mumbai鈥檚 infrastructure, as it will drastically cut travel time between the two areas. Currently, commuters using the Ghodbunder Road route often face severe congestion, with travel times extending up to an hour during peak hours. Once operational, the twin tunnels will reduce this travel time to less than 15 minutes, significantly easing traffic woes and enhancing connectivity between the eastern and western suburbs of Mumbai.
Given the complexities of tunneling beneath the ecologically sensitive Sanjay Gandhi National Park, the project is being executed with stringent environmental safeguards to minimize disruption. The adoption of single-shield hard-rock TBMs ensures precision excavation with minimal surface impact, making it a sustainable infrastructure solution for the city. As MEIL prepares to deploy the first TBM in April, this milestone marks a major step forward in the execution of one of Mumbai鈥檚 most ambitious infrastructure projects.
The first of four Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) designated for the construction of the 11.84-kilometre Thane-Borivali twin tunnel project has successfully passed Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) at the manufacturing facility of German firm Herrenknecht in Alinjivakkam, Tamil Nadu. Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd (MEIL), the company executing the project under the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), confirmed this development in an official release. The TBM, designated as S-1400A, is the first of four single-shield hard-rock TBMs that will be deployed to construct the crucial tunnel linking Ekta Nagar in Borivali with Tikuji-Ni-Wadi at Manpada in Thane, passing beneath the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP).
MEIL stated that the TBM would arrive at the project site in April, with tunneling expected to commence before the onset of the monsoon. The second TBM is scheduled to undergo its factory tests later in March, and both machines are expected to begin excavation work simultaneously by the time the monsoon arrives. The remaining two TBMs will follow, ensuring a phased approach to executing this critical infrastructure project. Once completed, the tunnels will consist of three lanes in each direction and will be constructed at a maximum depth of 23 metres below the surface.
These TBMs represent a significant advancement in tunneling technology, as each is equipped with a 13.2-metre diameter cutterhead鈥攖he largest ever deployed in Mumbai. This surpasses the 12.19-metre cutterhead used in the Mumbai Coastal Road Project鈥檚 TBM Mavala (DZ636), which successfully excavated twin tunnels between 2021 and 2023. The larger cutterheads will enhance the efficiency of excavation, helping the project meet its ambitious construction timeline while ensuring structural integrity.
The Thane-Borivali twin tunnel project is expected to be a game-changer for Mumbai鈥檚 infrastructure, as it will drastically cut travel time between the two areas. Currently, commuters using the Ghodbunder Road route often face severe congestion, with travel times extending up to an hour during peak hours. Once operational, the twin tunnels will reduce this travel time to less than 15 minutes, significantly easing traffic woes and enhancing connectivity between the eastern and western suburbs of Mumbai.
Given the complexities of tunneling beneath the ecologically sensitive Sanjay Gandhi National Park, the project is being executed with stringent environmental safeguards to minimize disruption. The adoption of single-shield hard-rock TBMs ensures precision excavation with minimal surface impact, making it a sustainable infrastructure solution for the city. As MEIL prepares to deploy the first TBM in April, this milestone marks a major step forward in the execution of one of Mumbai鈥檚 most ambitious infrastructure projects.
Next Story
Mahindra Lifespaces Targets Rs 10,000 Bn Sales by FY30
Mahindra Lifespace Developers aims to more than treble its sales to Rs 100 Bn by financial year twenty thirty, up from Rs 33 Bn in financial year twenty twenty-five. Backed by a strong land bank, robust pipeline, and rights issue of Rs 15 Bn, the company is focusing on growth in premium housing and industrial leasing.The company鈥檚 gross development value (GDV) has grown from Rs 44 Bn in financial year twenty twenty-four to Rs 181 Bn in financial year twenty twenty-five, with the current pipeline at Rs 390 Bn. New launches are planned in Whitefield, Malad, Bhandup, Mahalaxmi and Pune.Mahindra..
Next Story
Bhubaneswar New Station Starts Three Express Trains to Ease Congestion
East Coast Railway has begun full-scale operations of three major express trains from the Bhubaneswar New Railway Station (BBSN) from 12 May 2025. The move aims to improve connectivity and reduce congestion at the Bhubaneswar Main Station.The trains now operating from BBSN include the Mumbai鈥揃hubaneswar Konark Express, the Secunderabad鈥揃hubaneswar Visakha Express, and the Bhubaneswar鈥揤isakhapatnam Intercity Express. All three were previously routed through the Bhubaneswar Main Station.BBSN, located in northern Bhubaneswar, is expected to benefit residents of northern city zones, Cuttack,..
Next Story
Indian Railways Clears Survey for New Line in Sikkim
The Ministry of Railways has approved a Final Location Survey for a proposed railway line in Sikkim, connecting Melli to Dentam via Jorethang and Legship. The Rs 22.5 Mn survey will be conducted by Northeast Frontier Railway to assess technical and financial feasibility.The planned 75-kilometre corridor aims to improve rail access in the under-served southern and western regions of Sikkim. The project is backed by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and follows efforts by Member of Parliament Indra Hang Subba.This new line is intended to extend the under-construction Sivok鈥揜angpo railway proje..
