Terratec is a leader in designing TBMs capable of handling sharp curves along the alignment.
Gulshan Gill
How many different models of Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) does your company offer? Could you elaborate on the specifications and capabilities of each?
Terratec offers a diverse range of Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), categorized mainly into two types: shielded (e.g., EPB and Slurry) and non-shielded (e.g., Open TBM). In India we have supplied all types of TBM which includes EPB, Slurry, Open TBMs, Hard Rock Double Shield, and Dual Mode machines. Currently, our TBMs in India vary in size, from the smallest EPB TBM used for sewerage tunnels to the largest Double Shield Rock TBM employed in hydro projects. With even larger machines is under production and will be delivered soon.
Do you provide customized TBMs tailored to specific project needs? How do you address varying soil and rock conditions?
Yes, every TBM we produce is custom-designed to meet the unique demands of each project, taking into account the specific geological conditions of the alignment. In India, EPB TBMs are the most widely used, capable of operating efficiently in both soil and rocky terrains, ensuring maximum safety in urban areas. Slurry TBMs are particularly effective in challenging projects with hard rock or significant water ingress. For alignments where the geological makeup is predominantly solid rock (over 90%) with some challenging sections (around 10%), we offer Dual Mode TBMs. Our machines have demonstrated outstanding performance across varying geological conditions of extremely hard quartzite (250Mpa) to soft soil found in Delhi Metro Projects.
Can you highlight some notable tunnelling projects where your TBMs have been utilized?
Terratec has supplied over 50 TBMs for various projects across India. These Projects include DMRC Phase-III, DMRC Phase-IV, Mumbai Metro Line 3, Mumbai Metro Line 7, Ahmedabad Metro, Lucknow Metro, the Amar Mahal Water Project, the Priority Sewerage Project, Pune Metro, and Kanpur Metro. Currently, five Terratec TBMs are being used by TATA Projects for Chennai Metro’s second phase (Package TU01). These TBMs have received recognition from Project Owners, their GC and Contractors for their exceptional performance, including in the ongoing Chennai’s challenging geological conditions. Also, three of our TBMs are being operated by J Kumar Infra Projects Limited to safely penetrate the challenging hard rock geology in Delhi Metro’s Phase IV. Additionally, our smallest EPB TBM is making significant progress in Mumbai’s Mithi River project, achieving an impressive average of 370m per month and so far completed around 4.5km Tunnel.
What are the latest technological advancements in your TBMs?
Terratec is a leader in designing TBMs capable of handling sharp curves along the alignment. We have supplied a TBM for the Indian market that can navigate curves with a 90m radius, which is especially useful in urban areas where constructing shafts is challenging. This innovation not only saves time but also reduces costs. Our Dual Mode TBMs have also gained popularity, particularly following their success in the Mumbai Metro Line 3 project.
How do your machines address challenges such as ground settlement, noise, and environmental impact?
Our TBMs are equipped with state of the art instruments that provide early warnings in case of ground settlement beyond permissible limits, allowing for immediate corrective action. The machines are electrically driven, ensuring noise-free operations and economise power consumption. Additionally, we have integrated gas detectors to monitor and prevent potential environmental hazards, ensuring a safe and environmentally friendly tunnelling process.
How do you ensure high operational efficiency and minimize downtime?
We combine robust Machine design backed up by highly skilled Field Engineering Service team, primarily consisting of experts from around the world. This team is available to reach any job site within hours of notification. Our central store which stocks spares is located in Mumbai, and we maintain adequate quantities of spares
to quickly supply to any specific job site in need of it for the operating TBM, thus minimising downtime.
What type of maintenance and support services do you provide? Do you offer remote monitoring or diagnostics for TBMs?
Terratec provides comprehensive maintenance and support services through our highly trained field service team, who are available for both emergency calls and regular maintenance. We also offer remote monitoring of TBM parameters, enabling us to assist customers in real-time by diagnosing issues and providing guidance remotely.
What safety features are integrated into your TBMs to protect workers and the environment during tunneling operations?
Our TBMs are designed in accordance with international safety standards. This ensures the safety of both workers and the environment throughout the tunneling process.
Does your company take specific measures to ensure sustainable manufacturing and usage of TBMs?
Yes, we offer clients the option to either retain the TBM after project completion or sell it back to us. We refurbish these machines, making them ready for the next project. Additionally, we provide solutions for repurposing machines for new projects, including adjustments to boring diameters as needed.
Do you provide training for operators and maintenance personnel? What kind of technical support is available during project execution?
Terratec offers both on-site and factory training tailored to the specific needs of our customers. We are committed to resolving issues promptly, with our team providing support both online and offline as required. Our highly qualified and experienced teams are always available to quickly respond to any issue on the ground.
How do you manage the availability of spare parts, particularly for long-term projects?
Having operated in India for over a decade, apart from our central store in Mumbai Terratec has strategically placed several site stores across the country to ensure the timely availability of spare parts. This strategy minimizes downtime and ensures continuous support for all ongoing projects.
Terratec machines are very reliable backed by a highly skilled field engineering service team and we maintain adequate inventory of spares supplied from the Global offices of Terratec.
