JKIL – MEPL’s Terratec TBM S116 Passes Factory Tests for Mumbai’s Sewage Project

Terratec has completed factory acceptance tests (FAT) in Guangzhou, China on S116 – a brand new tunnel boring machine to be deployed by J Kumar Infraprojects – Michigan Engineers JV for Mumbai Sewer Disposal Project (MSDP) Stage II.

This 3.14m diameter rock EPBM nicknamed Manu-2 will build MSDP’s 4.7 km Priority Sewer Tunnel (PST-2) for Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Its route along Link Road in the western suburbs will connect Oshiwara Bus Depot to the existing Malad Pumping Station, which mostly follows Mumbai Metro’s elevated Line-2A (Yellow Line) between Oshiwara and Infinity Mall, Malad.

This is the second TBM that Terratec has provided to JKIL – MEPL JV for the MSDP project. In January 2024, the first machine S112 – a 3.85m diameter rock slurry TBM began excavating for the 5.8 km Priority Sewer Tunnel (PST-1) between Malad Waste Water Treatment Facility (WWTF) and Don Bosco Junction in Borivali West.

TBM S116 is designed to operate under a range of geological conditions, including silty sand, silty clay, boulders, breccia, basalt, clay with gravel and thyolite. It features a mixed type cutterhead, 27 back-loading 432mm disc cutters and a high-speed main drive capable of eight RPM.

Per Terratec’s press release, the Mumbai Sewer Disposal Project plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality and reliability of wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal processes, with a focus on minimising the environmental impact associated with wastewater. This initiative emphasises efficient and sustainable wastewater management to create a healthier and improved environment for the residents of Mumbai.

The new machine by Terratec has been designed to work with a 4+1 universal segment design, utilizing reinforced concrete segments of different lengths (1000mm and 650mm), to navigate sharp curves in complex geological conditions effectively. This adaptability allows the machine to avoid obstacles, follow specific routes, and accommodate existing structures above ground, ensuring precise and efficient tunnel construction.

The TBM is equipped with a Single Track Gantry Type backup system with 17 decks and a total length of 122m, with muck removal, segment transport, and logistics supply managed via locomotive and muck cars.

Back in February, JKIL – MEPL JV’s TBM S80B recorded its 2nd breakthrough for Mumbai’s Mithi River Rejuvenation project that aims improve the river’s quality by diverting waste water to Dharavi’s wastewater treatment facility (WWTF) – see details and pics.

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– TMRG