FCC

Afcons TBM Passes Tests for Mumbai Water Tunnel

2026-05-13

Afcons Infrastructure, a Shapoorji Pallonji Group company, has completed factory acceptance tests for a 5.33-m diameter Herrenknecht Gripper TBM, which will be deployed for the 7.2-km Bhiwandi-Thane water tunnel project.

The tunnel will connect Kasheli to Mulund, from Bhiwandi to Octroi Naka, and is expected to strengthen Mumbai’s water transport network while supporting fresh water supply for millions of residents.

Designed for hard rock excavation, the TBM will support high-performance and precision tunnelling. The 7.2-km section will be completed in a single drive, with the TBM launched through a 14-m diameter shaft at a depth of around 133 m.

Excavated material will be removed using horizontal and vertical conveyor systems supplied by Herrenknecht, enabling efficient muck handling during tunnelling operations.