J Kumar’s Mumbai Metro Line-7A TBM Disha Passes Factory Tests

J Kumar Infraprojects on Monday completed factory acceptance tests (FAT) on tunnel boring machine T62 for Package CA48 of Mumbai Metro Red Line’s 3.17 km Line-7A (Gundavali – CSIA)

Back in 2018-2021 this Ø6.68m dual-mode Terratec TBM, then nicknamed as Tapi-2, was deployed by JKumar – CRTG JV to build 3 tunnels for Package UGC-06 of the 33.5 km Line-3 (Aqua Line).

Following its final breakthrough at the Domestic Airport Station in February 2021, it was dismantled and taken to J Kumar’s casting yard (view on Google Maps) in Chenna village on Ghodbunder Road for refurbishment.

The machine, now nicknamed as Disha, will be deployed by J Kumar to build approximately 2.915 km twin tunnels (both up and down lines) between a ramp on the Western Express Highway and CSIA Terminal 2.

Photo via Mukesh Kushwaha

Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) had awarded J Kumar Infraprojects with Package CA48’s Rs. 1,998 crore contract in September 2019.

Their scope of work, besides the 11.38 elevated Line-9 extension, includes building Line-7A’s viaduct, ramp and underground tunnels and 2 stations at Airport Colony and CSIA Terminal 2, where it’ll meet the under construction Line-3 (Aqua Line), and in the future Line-8 (Gold Line) linking to Navi Mumbai International Airport.

Indicative Route Map of Mumbai Metro’s Line-7A – view Mumbai Metro map & information
Photo via Mukesh Kushwaha

The TBM is expected to be lowered into the WEH TBM Launch Shaft in Q3 2023. At this time I see Line-7A becoming operational no sooner than mid-2026 looking at the performance of Aqua Line’s TBMs around the airport that I’ve tracked, and the standard system installation and station development work required.

For more updates, check out the Mumbai section or my Home Page! Sign up for free instant email notifications on new posts over here. Like this post? Get early-access to updates and support the site over here.

– TMRG

written by

Global traveler who prefers mass rapid transit

9 Responses to "J Kumar’s Mumbai Metro Line-7A TBM Disha Passes Factory Tests"

  1. Sudarshan says:

    They will use just 1 TBM?

    Reply
  2. Ab says:

    Any news about the depot, whether it will be created in Uttan or Rai – Murdhe?

    Reply
  3. Kartik says:

    https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/charkop-full-second-depot-essential-if-more-rakes-are-added-to-new-metro-lines-8418725/

    When will this carshed/ depot named curse end for Mumbai. Every single line, every single depot has been such a struggle. And now, we have a depot in charkop but it is not big enough. Line 9’s depot is a mystry and mandale will take years to connect to. So we will enjoy our metros running at eight minute peak till they become as crowded as the locals

    Reply
  4. LAXMIKANT KHAIRNAR says:

    Expanding the network of metro in Mumbai is a boon to mumbaikar’s as well as the visiting travelling community. Frequently travelling to New Delhi, I always prefer to travel by metro. Once the connectivity between all the lines gets established, then the ease of usage will be seen.

    Reply

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