The tunneling industry is witnessing another major milestone as Herrenknecht AG prepares to deliver India’s largest tunnel boring machines (TBMs) for the Versova-Dahisar Link Road (VDLR) Project in Mumbai. These massive 15.62-meter Mixshields will be instrumental in constructing the underground portions of the Mumbai Coastal Road Project (MCRP), bringing cutting-edge tunneling technology to one of the world’s most dynamic civil and transportation infrastructure markets.
A Transformational Project for Mumbai’s Traffic Congestion
The Versova-Dahisar Link Road is a 22.93-kilometer coastal expressway designed to ease congestion along Mumbai’s Western Express Highway. The project, commissioned by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and led by Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd. (MEIL), includes two parallel underground tunnel sections spanning 3.1 kilometers—that will play a critical role in connecting Mumbai’s suburbs and improving urban mobility.
With traffic congestion a long-standing challenge in Mumbai, this extension is expected to reduce travel times by up to 70%, significantly improving daily commutes for local residents.
Cutting-Edge TBM Technology
A key component of this project is local machine production. Herrenknecht’s manufacturing facility at the Chennai plant in India will build the TBMs, incorporating core components from Germany. This strategy not only reduces transportation costs but also strengthens India’s engineering expertise, fostering long-term growth in the tunneling sector.
Herrenknecht’s Mixshield TBMs are specially designed to handle tough underground conditions, including weathered basalt rock with strengths of up to 150 MPa. Since the tunnels will be buried 13 to 23 meters deep, the machines will operate at maximum pressures of up to 5 bar to maintain stability and ensure safe, efficient excavation.
Strengthening Global Infrastructure Collaboration
Dr.-Ing. E.h. Martin Herrenknecht, chairman of the board of management, emphasized that these tunnels represent more than just structural engineering feats—they are essential for sustainable urban mobility. Herrenknecht’s involvement in other major Indian infrastructure projects, including Delhi and Chennai Metro systems and the Rishikesh-Karnprayag railway tunnel, further solidifies its role in India’s rapid urban development.
The Future of Tunneling in India
With India making historic investments in underground civil infrastructure, projects like the Versova-Dahisar Link Road are just the beginning. As urban centers expand and population densities rise, tunneling will play a pivotal role in sustainable city planning.
Herrenknecht’s record-breaking TBMs demonstrate how advanced engineering, local expertise, and global collaboration can drive the next era of tunneling innovation. As India continues to push forward with mass transit, highway expansions, and flood control tunnels, this project marks another step toward a more efficient and connected urban future.
How Stiver Engineering Supports Large-Scale Tunneling and Infrastructure Projects
Stiver Engineering provides critical structural engineering support for TBM projects across the U.S. and Canada, offering expertise in tunneling design, shaft construction, and underground infrastructure solutions. Our team works closely with contractors to develop tailored excavation plans, shoring designs, and dewatering strategies that ensure safe and efficient tunneling operations.
Whether it’s managing complex geological conditions, optimizing tunnel alignments, or designing structural reinforcements, Stiver Engineering brings innovative solutions that drive successful outcomes for large-scale water, transportation, and utility projects. Contact us today to discuss your project needs and learn how our expertise can help bring your tunneling initiative to life: https://stiverengineering.com/contact-engineering-design-firm/
With so many large-scale tunneling projects in motion, prime contractors and engineering firms have a range of opportunities to get involved. Several key projects are currently in the bidding phase, with RFQs and RFPs available for submission. For contractors looking to participate in these large-scale initiatives, we have compiled a list of current RFPs. Visit our site to explore bid opportunities and project specifications: https://stiverengineering.com/bid/
