Afcons to Deploy Largest TBMs for NHSRCL’s 6,371 Cr. Undersea Rail Tunnel Project

Afcons Infrastructure Limited will be deploying its largest Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) having a diameter of 13.1 metres, for constructing India’s first undersea Rail tunnel. Afcons had signed a contract on 8th June 2023 worth Rs. 6,371 crore with National High-Speed Rail Corporation Ltd. (NHSRCL) for this project.

The aforementioned tunnel will connect Shilphata to Vikhroli in Maharashtra and will be 21 Km in length. This undersea tunnel is part of the Mumbai-Ahemdabad bullet train project. Sixteen kilometres of this tunnel will be built using three TBMs while another 5 Km will be developed using New Austrian Tunnelling Methodology (NATM)*

*NATM construction method uses real-time monitoring for drilling and designing of the tunnel. In the course of construction, NATM adds reinforcement to the tunnel’s shotcrete lining where required while installing ground support.