TERRATEC TBM Breaks Through on Mumbai Sewer Tunnel Project

TERRATEC’s 3.85-m diameter Rock Slurry TBM has achieved a significant breakthrough on the Mumbai Sewer Disposal Project (MSDP) Stage II, Priority Sewer Tunnel 1 (PST-1), marking an important milestone in the city’s ongoing wastewater infrastructure upgrade program.

The project, overseen by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and executed by J. Kumar–MEPL JV, involves the construction of a 3,200-mm finished internal diameter sewer tunnel with a total length of approximately 5.8 km beneath densely developed areas of Mumbai. The alignment runs below busy road networks and existing residential and commercial developments, requiring careful control of excavation and ground behavior to ensure safe construction with minimal surface impact.

TERRATEC’s 3.85-m diameter Rock Slurry TBM has been advancing steadily on the PST-1 alignment since achieving its first breakthrough in Malad West. Excavation is underway, with approximately 4.5 km of tunneling now completed. Following this latest breakthrough, the tunnelling machine is being readied for its final 1.2 km drive to finish the remaining section of the tunnel.

Tunneling is being carried out under challenging urban conditions, including close proximity to existing structures, buried utilities and environmentally sensitive areas. Comprehensive monitoring of tunnel alignment and ground movement has been implemented throughout excavation to minimize surface settlements and protect surrounding infrastructure.

Upon completion, the sewer tunnel will form a critical part of Mumbai’s wastewater management system, conveying sewage to downstream treatment facilities and marine outfalls. The project will significantly reduce the discharge of untreated wastewater into local waterways and the Arabian Sea, supporting cleaner coastal environments, improved marine ecosystem health and long-term environmental protection for the city.

TERRATEC has been chosen for the Mumbai Sewer Disposal Project Metro Rail Project due to TERRATEC’s successful track record on projects such as Phase III & IV of the Delhi Metro, Lucknow Metro, Pune Metro, Kanpur Metro, Ahmadabad Metro, Surat Metro and Mumbai Metro. This is a result of tailor-made robust TBM design, prompt onsite assistance, availability of TBM spares, and highly skilled specialised support throughout tunnelling operations.

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