Making of Mumbai Metro 3
With every brick laid, Mumbai’s landscape transforms, paving the way for a more connected and sustainable future. The Mumbai Metro 3 project brings hope, anticipation, and excitement to city dwellers. As the metro takes shape, it promises to revolutionize urban connectivity, alleviating traffic congestion and reducing pollution.
When completed, the 33.5 km long line between Navy Nagar and Aarey Depot, will be the first underground metro line in Mumbai. It will have 27 underground stations and one station on the ground level. This will include connections to other metro lines, monorail, suburban rail, inter-city rail, and Mumbai Airport.
In this report, Sunilkumar Vishwakarma, Head – Planning, CEC-ITD Cem-TPL JV (Tata Projects) talks about the role of advanced smart construction technologies deployed at Mumbai Metro 3.
He said, “For a project of the scale and significance of the Mumbai Metro, which entailed substantial implications for the local population, our utmost priorities were timely construction and stakeholder safety, given the city’s historical nature. Consequently, a meticulous process was followed in selecting appropriate equipment. To meet our project requirements, we employed three types of tunnel boring machines (TBMs). The first type was the Slurry TBM, followed by the Rock TBMs, which offered higher productivity but were less safe. Lastly, we utilized the air pressure balance method, which provided moderate productivity while prioritizing safety.”
Vishwakarma further added, “Considering the mixed ground geology and population density, we opted for Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) machines for our project package. Notably, these machines were equipped with an extensive array of sensors to enhance their functionality and facilitate efficient monitoring. Key stakeholders such as the project manager, tunnel manager, and station manager received real-time reports via GPS technology on their mobile devices. The GPS systems installed on the TBMs promptly alerted stakeholders to any minute deviations in pitch or roll. Additionally, automatic sensors on nearby buildings were closely monitored through automated processes. If a deviation of 10mm was detected, an alert was promptly sent to all stakeholders, ensuring immediate action could be taken to any potential issues.”
Talking about monitoring activities, Vishwakarma said, “Our comprehensive monitoring system extends beyond the TBMs themselves. We installed CCTV cameras to monitor activities both on the surface and underground, including inside the TBM. Furthermore, measures were taken to ensure our workers’ safety and well-being. Fire curtains, safety stations, and medical stations were strategically placed within the TBM. Portable toilets were provided for the convenience of operators and other personnel unable to leave the TBM during operations. This meticulous approach to safety and comfort allowed us to complete our premium tunneling project on time, surpassing expectations.”
“Specific challenges were encountered during the TBM tunnel construction, particularly the cross-passage between two TBMs. Due to the limited size of the passage (measuring only three meters), and the residential density surrounding the tunnel, we made a conscientious decision to avoid blasting activities. Instead, the entire process was conducted mechanically. To address this problem, we imported a specialized robotic excavator. This allowed the operator to work from a safe distance of five meters while effectively operating the machine,” shared Vishwakarma.
“Through the implementation of advanced technology, rigorous safety protocols, and meticulous monitoring systems, we completed our premier tunneling project. Our project adhered to the highest standards but also set new benchmarks for efficiency and effectiveness in the industry,” Vishwakarma concluded.
