Mavala Tunnel Boring Machine successfully dismantled after breakthrough
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

Mavala Tunnel Boring Machine successfully dismantled after breakthrough

The Mavala tunnel boring apparatus, employed for excavating two tunnels along the Coastal Road, has undergone disassembly. The final breakthrough of the tunnel occurred on May 31. Subsequently, the disassembly process commenced and concluded on July 31.

According to Manthaiya Swami, the Chief Engineer of the Coastal Road project, he mentioned, "The process of dismantling the immense machine took a span of two months. It was disassembled into five components: the cutter head, steel structure, and three gantries were detached."

Regarding the tunnelling activities between Orange Gate and Marine Lines, there's a possibility of employing this machine, given that the dimensions of the tunnels need to match those of the Coastal Road.

Originally procured from China by the L&T company, the Mavala machine is now under the ownership of the same company.

Manufactured by the China Railway Construction Heavy Industry Company (CRCHIL), the tunnel boring machine was christened 'Mavala' after the mountain warfare experts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. With a weight surpassing 2,800 tonnes and a diameter of 12.19 meters (equivalent to the height of a five-story building), Mavala stands as the largest tunnel boring machine ever used for tunneling in India's history.

Initiating in January 2021 from Priyadarshini Park at Nepean Sea Road, the excavation of the first tunnel commenced. Back then, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray marked the occasion with a Bhoomipoojan ceremony at the launch site in Priyadarshini Park. The first breakthrough was achieved in January 2022 at the southern end of the tunnel in Girgaon. After this milestone, Mavala was shifted towards the left, and in April 2022, mining for the second tunnel was initiated. The breakthrough for the second tunnel occurred in May 2023, graced by the presence of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis.

The Mavala tunnel boring apparatus, employed for excavating two tunnels along the Coastal Road, has undergone disassembly. The final breakthrough of the tunnel occurred on May 31. Subsequently, the disassembly process commenced and concluded on July 31.According to Manthaiya Swami, the Chief Engineer of the Coastal Road project, he mentioned, The process of dismantling the immense machine took a span of two months. It was disassembled into five components: the cutter head, steel structure, and three gantries were detached.Regarding the tunnelling activities between Orange Gate and Marine Lines, there's a possibility of employing this machine, given that the dimensions of the tunnels need to match those of the Coastal Road.Originally procured from China by the L&T company, the Mavala machine is now under the ownership of the same company.Manufactured by the China Railway Construction Heavy Industry Company (CRCHIL), the tunnel boring machine was christened 'Mavala' after the mountain warfare experts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. With a weight surpassing 2,800 tonnes and a diameter of 12.19 meters (equivalent to the height of a five-story building), Mavala stands as the largest tunnel boring machine ever used for tunneling in India's history.Initiating in January 2021 from Priyadarshini Park at Nepean Sea Road, the excavation of the first tunnel commenced. Back then, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray marked the occasion with a Bhoomipoojan ceremony at the launch site in Priyadarshini Park. The first breakthrough was achieved in January 2022 at the southern end of the tunnel in Girgaon. After this milestone, Mavala was shifted towards the left, and in April 2022, mining for the second tunnel was initiated. The breakthrough for the second tunnel occurred in May 2023, graced by the presence of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India To Invest $37 Billion To Boost Petrochemical Capacity

India is set to become a major global player in the petrochemicals industry, driven by a planned capital expenditure of $37 billion (Rs 3.1 trillion) aimed at reducing import dependency and enhancing self-sufficiency, according to S&P Global Ratings.In its latest report titled “First China, Now India: Self-Sufficiency Goals Will Add To Petrochemicals Supply”, S&P said India’s large-scale capacity expansion—mirroring China’s earlier push—will likely intensify oversupply pressures in Asia’s petrochemical markets.Currently the world’s third-largest petrochemical consumer a..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Indian Railways Expands Global Exports Of Rail Equipment

Indian Railways has announced that it is rapidly emerging as a global exporter of railway equipment, including bogies, coaches, locomotives, and propulsion systems, under the government’s ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ initiative.According to an official statement, India’s railway products are now reaching over 16 international markets, reflecting the country’s growing capacity to design, develop, and deliver world-class rail solutions.Metro coaches have been exported to Australia and Canada; bogies to the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, France, and Australia; propulsion systems t..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

RailTel Awards Rs 163 Million Contract To RTNS Technology

RailTel Corporation of India Limited (RailTel), a Mini Ratna Public Sector Undertaking, has awarded a domestic work order worth Rs 163 million to RTNS Technology Private Limited.The contract, issued on 30 September 2025, involves the supply and installation of equipment and related services for one of RailTel’s key customers. The project underscores RailTel’s commitment to advancing technology and communication infrastructure through collaboration with domestic system integrators.RTNS Technology Private Limited, an ISO-certified system integrator, provides comprehensive solutions for perim..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?