Mumbai’s water infrastructure development has reached a significant milestone with TERRATEC’s successful breakthrough of a 3.2 m diameter Open TBM on the Amar Mahal I water transfer tunnel project. This achievement underscores the city’s commitment to expanding its water tunnel network, which has now exceeded 100 km in total length.
The newly completed 9.7 km tunnel, stretching from Ghatkopar to Parel via Wadala, highlights the exceptional performance of TERRATEC’s specially engineered TBM. Designed to handle the challenging geological conditions along the route, the TBM features a modular construction that allows for both shaft launching and retrieval, providing flexibility throughout the project. Its CutterHead, equipped with heavy-duty back-loading disc cutters, is driven by VFD-controlled electric motors that achieve optimal torque and speeds exceeding 10 revolutions per minute.
Engineered to handle varied geological strata, the TBM boasts a comprehensive ground support system. This includes a fixed probe drilling unit, dual rock bolting drills, a shotcrete pump, and a steel arch erector, all essential for maintaining safety and stability during tunnelling.
Deployed by Soma Enterprise Ltd, the TBM is part of the AMT-I tunnel project, a critical component of the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai’s (MCGM) efforts to enhance and modernise the city’s water distribution system. The Amar Mahal I tunnel addresses key issues such as leakage, contamination, and accessibility, reflecting MCGM’s commitment to a reliable and efficient water supply network.
One of the TBM’s standout features is its disassembly design, which facilitates the removal of all components through the completed tunnel. The cutterhead, the largest component, can be dismantled into two pieces for easier extraction.
TERRATEC’s dedicated Field Service team continues to provide ongoing support, ensuring the project’s timely and successful completion. This breakthrough follows the completion of the Amar Mahal II Tunnel Project in February 2023, marking the successful delivery of two significant drives for the 5,531 m water transfer tunnel contract by Patel Engineering Ltd.