+
Second TBM begins Mumbai bullet train undersea tunnel
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

Second TBM begins Mumbai bullet train undersea tunnel

The second tunnel boring machine (TBM) has begun excavation of the 7-km undersea tunnel beneath Thane Creek for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project, marking another milestone in the construction of India's first undersea rail tunnel.

The TBM commenced its drive from Sawli (Ghansoli) towards Vikhroli as part of the project's 21-km underground section. Of this, 16 km between Sawli and Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) will be excavated using TBMs, while the remaining 5 km has already been completed using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM). The first TBM began tunnelling from Vikhroli towards BKC on 5 July 2026.

The slurry-based Mixshield TBM features a 13.6-m-diameter cutterhead, weighs 3,200 tonnes and is 96 m long, making it among the largest machines deployed for rail tunnelling in India. The machine is equipped with a semi-continuous advance system that enables simultaneous excavation and tunnel lining installation to improve construction efficiency.

A 39-m-deep launch shaft was constructed at Sawli to deploy the TBM, which was assembled underground after being lowered in sections because of space constraints.

The project incorporates real-time monitoring systems to track ground movement, structural behaviour and gas levels during excavation. The tunnel lining is being designed as a fully waterproof structure using double-layer EPDM gaskets and hydrophilic seals to prevent water ingress and enhance long-term durability.

The second tunnel boring machine (TBM) has begun excavation of the 7-km undersea tunnel beneath Thane Creek for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project, marking another milestone in the construction of India's first undersea rail tunnel.The TBM commenced its drive from Sawli (Ghansoli) towards Vikhroli as part of the project's 21-km underground section. Of this, 16 km between Sawli and Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) will be excavated using TBMs, while the remaining 5 km has already been completed using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM). The first TBM began tunnelling from Vikhroli towards BKC on 5 July 2026.The slurry-based Mixshield TBM features a 13.6-m-diameter cutterhead, weighs 3,200 tonnes and is 96 m long, making it among the largest machines deployed for rail tunnelling in India. The machine is equipped with a semi-continuous advance system that enables simultaneous excavation and tunnel lining installation to improve construction efficiency.A 39-m-deep launch shaft was constructed at Sawli to deploy the TBM, which was assembled underground after being lowered in sections because of space constraints.The project incorporates real-time monitoring systems to track ground movement, structural behaviour and gas levels during excavation. The tunnel lining is being designed as a fully waterproof structure using double-layer EPDM gaskets and hydrophilic seals to prevent water ingress and enhance long-term durability.

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Real Estate

Peninsula Land launches 19 luxury villas in Pune

Pune’s residential landscape is witnessing a shift as premium homebuyers increasingly seek larger spaces, privacy and independent living options beyond high-rise apartments. Addressing this demand, Peninsula Land Limited, part of the Ashok Piramal Group, has launched AshokVillas, an exclusive collection of 19 premium furnished villas in Gahunje, Pune.The development combines the independence of a standalone home with the convenience and security of a managed residential community. Designed around low-density horizontal living, AshokVillas offers residents private spaces while providing acces..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

MyBranch Expands South India Network with 16 Workspace Centres

MyBranch has expanded its South India presence with a 50,000 sq ft flexible workspace network comprising 16 centres across 14 cities in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Telangana.The expansion reflects growing demand for flexible office infrastructure as businesses establish regional teams, satellite offices and operations beyond traditional metropolitan markets. MyBranch’s network spans Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Guntur, Hanamkonda, Hubballi, Hyderabad, Madurai, Mangaluru, Rajahmundry, Salem, Tirupati, Vellore, Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam, with a large office space in Chennai also und..

Next Story
Building Material

Walplast Launches Moisture-Resistant Gypsum Plaster Solutions

Walplast Products Pvt. Ltd. has expanded its HomeSure GypEx portfolio with the launch of GypEx MoistShield and GypEx Gold, two gypsum plaster solutions designed to address moisture-prone applications and improve plastering efficiency.The new products have been developed in response to the growing demand for faster construction processes, improved material performance and consistent surface quality. The solutions aim to simplify interior plastering while addressing specific application requirements across construction environments.“Through HomeSure GypEx MoistShield and GypEx Gold, we are exp..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code