Patel Engineering Achieves National Tunnelling Milestone for Navi Mumbai's Water Infrastructure
In a significant advancement for Navi Mumbai's water security, a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) breakthrough was successfully accomplished at the Cidco Treated Water Tunnel (TWT) Package II project. This achievement marks a critical step in the City and Industrial Development Corporation's (Cidco) efforts to enhance the Hetawane dam water supply mechanism to the region.
Record-Breaking Excavation and Safety Excellence
Patel Engineering has set a new national tunnelling record by completing an impressive 812.466 metres of excavation in a single month during January. This feat was achieved using a 3.2-metre diameter TBM, named Tiboti Khandya after the Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, manufactured by Terratec. The tunnelling drive was completed over four months ahead of schedule, demonstrating exceptional project management and efficiency.
The project also recorded over one million safe man-hours with zero safety incidents, highlighting a strong commitment to workplace safety. The TBM cutterhead emerged at the designated exit point at Sai village in Panvel, witnessed by Cidco officials, signifying the successful completion of this phase.
Technological Innovation and Urban Infrastructure
The use of the mechanised TBM enabled high-precision excavation with enhanced safety and minimal surface disruption. This approach is particularly suited to critical urban water infrastructure projects, where accuracy and minimal environmental impact are paramount. The Tiboti Khandya TBM's performance underscores the benefits of advanced technology in large-scale construction endeavors.
Project Scope and Future Impact
The Cidco TWT project is a key component of the agency's long-term water security strategy. It involves the design and construction of a 6.27-kilometre-long treated water tunnel and allied works, connecting Sai village to Vindhane village in Raigad district. Once commissioned, the Hetawane Water Supply Augmentation Scheme will nearly double Cidco's water supply capacity from the current 150 million litres per day (MLD) to 270 MLD by December 2029.
This expansion is crucial to meet Navi Mumbai's growing residential, commercial, and industrial demand. With the tunnelling phase now complete, construction activities will progress to the next stages of project execution, aligning with Cidco's infrastructure development roadmap.
Official Statements and Strategic Significance
A Cidco official emphasized the importance of this milestone, stating, "The successful completion of the tunnelling drive and the TBM breakthrough is a critical milestone for the TWT project. Such achievements strengthen Cidco's efforts to build robust and future-ready water infrastructure that can support Navi Mumbai's long-term growth while maintaining reliability and operational efficiency."
Kavita Shirvaikar, Managing Director of Patel Engineering, commented on the breakthrough, saying, "Today's TBM breakthrough marks the successful closure of an exceptionally demanding tunnelling drive and validates the record productivity achieved by our teams earlier this year. Delivering this milestone required sustained precision, disciplined execution, and seamless coordination across engineering, operations, and safety functions. It reflects our ability to convert performance benchmarks into tangible on-ground outcomes."
This project not only showcases engineering prowess but also sets a precedent for future infrastructure developments in India, combining speed, safety, and sustainability to address urban water needs effectively.
