On Tuesday, the Mumbai Metro Aqua Line 3 started train service ahead of Kotak BKC Metro station. This route is 9.77 kilometers long and has six stops from Dharavi to Acharya Atre Chowk. A social media video that includes images of trials and stations has been posted. This phase of development has been designated as Phase 2A. The line’s last segment is anticipated to open in Colaba by the end of 2025. It will take 39 minutes to reach from JVLR to Acharya Atre Chowk, once the segment opens to the public.
Why Was Working Under The River A Big Challenge?
The train moved all the way to the Acharya Atre Chowk stop for testing. A spokesperson told Mid-day that this stretch should be ready for commercial operations by March 2025. Inspection and safety certifications are pending by the metro rail safety commissioner.
Working on such a project beneath the Mithi River was a significant problem, according to officials. A twin tunnel portion running beneath the Mithi River between the Bandra Kurla Complex and Dharavi stations spans the river. Sequential excavation using the New Australian Tunnelling Method and Godavari 3 and Godavari 4 tunnel boring machines (TBMs) were used.
About 2 km of the 3 km twin tunnel segment between BKC and Dharavi passes beneath an enlarged body of water. This includes a 500-meter part of the active Mithi River channel. In order to overcome this difficulty, specially made earth-balancing devices were created with a focus on underground digging. In addition to being excellent at managing the removal of excavated material and regulating water seepage, these sophisticated machines are designed to maintain natural pressure at the tunnel face, preventing ground settlement.
This Is How Water Won’t Seep Into The Mumbai Metro Infrastructure
9.57 meters below the Mithi river bed sits the railway line. Machines were utilised on Grade 3/4 brecciated basalt rock and Grade 1/2 brecciated basalt rock. They were also used on a single layer of slush beneath the Mithi water flow.
There could be a greater chance of water entering the system. For this reason, they have created a gasket specifically for this region. Segment rings made of precast concrete are protected by unique mushroom-shaped gaskets. An additional layer of hydrophilic gaskets is used to make sure the joints are watertight; these gaskets swell when they come into contact with water, further sealing the joints.
Also Read: Metro Lines 2A In Mumbai Get Safety Certification; Now Running At Full Speed Of 80 Kmph
The Kotak BKC station is adjacent to the Dharavi station, which lies 18–18.5 meters below the surface. Dharavi, Sitaladevi, Dadar, Siddhivinayak, Worli, and Acharya Atre Chowk are the six stations that are between Kotak BKC and Acharya Atre Chowk.
Cover Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons
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