HCC completes first tunnel for Mumbai Metro-III project

01 Sep 2019 Editorial Team

As communicated by the company, the construction team built the 3.82-km tunnel in tough geological and urban conditions. These included the proximity of the project to the sea; the fact that the land to be tunnelled through was heterogeneous reclaimed area; congested working areas; and the need to leave buildings (most over 100 years old) undisturbed while tunnelling directly below them.

MMRCL had awarded the contract to HCC in July 2016, for the design and construction of twin tunnels by tunnel-boring machine (TBM) method and the construction of four underground metro stations, including one at CST.

Two TBMs were procured from China with 117-m-long, single-shield, dual-mode hard rock with a 6.68 m diameter and weighing around 848 mt. They are equipped to operate in both open and closed mode, in the predominantly fresh and slightly to moderately weathered basalt and breccia anticipated in the Mumbai Metro project. After months of geotechnical investigations, planning and a lengthy procurement phase, the HCC team launched Vaitarna I (the first TBM) from the project site at CST on December 04, 2017. This TBM requires around 32 people to operate, which includes operators, engineers and labourers.

As the alignment of the tunnel passes through one of Mumbai’s most thickly populated residential areas, a thorough geological survey was conducted along the entire stretch of the project. Prior to tunnelling, a structural survey was carried out across a 30-m influence zone on either side of the alignment to assess the impact of tunnelling on the buildings.

The construction of station buildings is currently underway. While all the station buildings are unique in design, the CST station is a completely cut-and-cover station; the remaining three stations will be made by NATM method. Vaitarna II was launched in February 2018 and is expected to complete its tunnelling by December 2019.

Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) emerged as the sole contractor among all packages to finish the entire length of a tunnel after it completed the south bound tunnel between CST and Mumbai Central stations. As communicated by the company, the construction team built the 3.82-km tunnel in tough geological and urban conditions. These included the proximity of the project to the sea; the fact that the land to be tunnelled through was heterogeneous reclaimed area; congested working areas; and the need to leave buildings (most over 100 years old) undisturbed while tunnelling directly below them. MMRCL had awarded the contract to HCC in July 2016, for the design and construction of twin tunnels by tunnel-boring machine (TBM) method and the construction of four underground metro stations, including one at CST.Two TBMs were procured from China with 117-m-long, single-shield, dual-mode hard rock with a 6.68 m diameter and weighing around 848 mt. They are equipped to operate in both open and closed mode, in the predominantly fresh and slightly to moderately weathered basalt and breccia anticipated in the Mumbai Metro project. After months of geotechnical investigations, planning and a lengthy procurement phase, the HCC team launched Vaitarna I (the first TBM) from the project site at CST on December 04, 2017. This TBM requires around 32 people to operate, which includes operators, engineers and labourers.As the alignment of the tunnel passes through one of Mumbai’s most thickly populated residential areas, a thorough geological survey was conducted along the entire stretch of the project. Prior to tunnelling, a structural survey was carried out across a 30-m influence zone on either side of the alignment to assess the impact of tunnelling on the buildings. The construction of station buildings is currently underway. While all the station buildings are unique in design, the CST station is a completely cut-and-cover station; the remaining three stations will be made by NATM method. Vaitarna II was launched in February 2018 and is expected to complete its tunnelling by December 2019.

Infrastructure Energy

22 Oct 2025

KEC Secures Rs 10, 380 Mn Substation Order in Saudi Arabia

KEC International Ltd., a global infrastructure EPC major, and an RPG Group company, has secured a new order worth Rs 10,380 million for the Design, Supply and Installation of a 380 kV GIS Substation in Saudi Arabia.Vimal Kejriwal, MD & CEO, KEC International Ltd., commented, “We are delighted with the successive order wins in our T&D business. In a landmark achievement, we have secured our largest ever substation order. This prestigious order in the Middle East has widened our portfolio and strengthened our presence in the region. With this strategic win, our year-to-date or..

Infrastructure Urban

22 Oct 2025

Central Bank of India executes first fully digital SCF deal on PSB Xchange

In a major advancement for India’s banking sector, Central Bank of India (CBI) has successfully completed the country’s first fully digital supply chain finance (SCF) transaction on PSB Xchange—a unified multi-lender platform launched by PSB Alliance. PSB Xchange is designed to connect public and private sector banks, NBFCs, and fintechs with corporates and their channel partners to facilitate supply chain finance and small business loans. The transaction marks the first time a fintech-originated corporate lead has been seamlessly processed through the PSB Xchange ecosystem. The lead fl..

Infrastructure Energy

22 Oct 2025

Atlanta Electricals secures Rs 1,835 Mn transformer order from BNC Power

Atlanta Electricals Limited (“Atlanta”) has secured an order worth Rs 1,835 million from BNC Power Projects Ltd for the supply of extra high voltage (EHV) transformers and a bus reactor for its Pugal site. The contract includes a mix of 315 MVA, 400 KV and 100 MVA, 132 KV transformers along with a 400 KV bus reactor. The project scope encompasses design, manufacturing, testing, and supply to the project site. Deliveries will be sequenced following engineering and drawing approvals, offering multi-quarter execution visibility and ensuring a steady production run-rate. The order will be ex..