TBM Dhruv begins Tunneling at CSIA for Mumbai Metro Line 7A

Mumbai, India (Metro Rail Today): Over the weekend, J Kumar Infraprojects (JKIL) successfully put their second tunnel boring machine (TBM-T60), into operation for the Mumbai Metro Red Line's 3.17 km Line-7A (Gundavali – CSIA). Fondly referred to as TBM Dhruv, this remarkable Ø6.68m dual-mode Terratec machine had previously been employed by J Kumar – CRTG JV on Mumbai Metro Line-3's packages UGC-05 and UGC-06 between 2018 and 2021.

After undergoing an extensive refurbishment at J Kumar's yard on Ghodbunder Road over the past year, TBM Dhruv was gradually lowered into the shaft at CSIA Terminal 2 Station in July 2023. As part of Line-7A's Package CA-48, TBM Dhruv is slated to construct an approximately 2.49 km down-line tunnel, connecting CSIA's Terminal 2 to Airport Colony Station and extending further to a ramp on the Western Express Highway (WEH).

The contract for Package CA-48, valued at Rs. 1,998 crore, was awarded to J Kumar Infraprojects by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) in September 2019. In addition to the construction of Line-7A's viaduct, ramp, and underground tunnels, J Kumar's responsibilities also encompass the establishment of two stations at Airport Colony and CSIA Terminal 2, where Line-7A will intersect with the under-construction Line-3 (Aqua Line) and eventually the future Line-8 (Gold Line) linking to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport.

Meanwhile, TBM Disha (Terratec T62), which has been working on the parallel up-line tunnel since September, has reached a temporary pause after completing the initial phase of building 60 rings. Its backup gantry is currently being affixed to facilitate the commencement of its main mining activities.

Anticipating the future operational status of Line-7A, it is projected that the line may not be operational before mid-2026, considering the performance of Aqua Line's TBMs in the vicinity of the airport, as observed through ongoing tracking efforts, along with the necessary installation of standard systems and station development work required to ensure the line's readiness for revenue operations.

Stay updated for further developments on the progress of Mumbai Metro Line 7A, a pivotal infrastructure project contributing to the enhancement of Mumbai's urban transportation network, catering to the growing needs of the city's residents and commuters.