Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) yesterday (Thursday, 30th April 2020) achieved yet another milestone with its 28 breakthrough from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus to Mumbai Central. The Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) called as Vaitarna-2, was commissioned on February 2, 2018 from CSMT launching shaft and completed its longest run at Mumbai Central station with 2,730 RCC rings.
“This part of the tunnelling was very challenging particularly because the alignment runs very close to old and dilapidated buildings and also parallel to the sea shore and very shallow ground water table which is approximately 1-4 metres below only”, said Ranjit Singh Deol, Managing Director, MMRC.
A total of 13 breakthrough remain to be achieved now. “Another challenge posed before the team was the outbreak of Covid-19. However, we ensured physical distancing and strictly followed all the guidelines stipulated by the state government”, said Deol further. The 4-km long tunneling, on the Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ Metro-3 Corridor, includes the construction of five underground stations beginning from CSTM to Mumbai Central via Kalbadevi, Girgaon and Grant Road.