The first operational TBM on the SOUTH Section of M6 Metro Line is ready for start. During a launching ceremony attended by officials, Metrorex representatives, JICA representatives, representatives of the Contractor appointed for the execution of the contract “Bucharest International Airport Rail Access Link Project (Metro Line 6. 1 Mai-Otopeni). Design and Build – Civil Works for Lot 1.1: 1 Mai-Tokyo”, and representatives of the Consultant Supervisor, the cutter head of the giant machine makes today its first rotation marking the start of drilling activities from the future metro station Tokyo to the existing metro station 1 Mai.
Usually, the TBM machines are named with names of saints. The TBM to start at today’s launch ceremony to mark this momentous occasion is called ‘Sfânta Maria’ – the symbol of divine protection and care for all humanity. Next to it will be active the second shield, named “Sfânta Ana”, another iconic figure of Orthodox spirituality, representing wisdom, patience and steadfast faith. The machine bearing the name “Sfânta Maria” was brought to Romania close to September 8, the feast of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. The second TBM is called “Sfânta Ana”, as the holidays follow one another in the calendar.
The two machines will excavate the 6.6 km-long underground tunnels through which will be built the six stations and six interstations on the alignment of the M6 Metro Line, Section SUD, 1 Mai – Tokyo.
„This day marks a new milestone in the accomplishment of M6 Metro Line, a major urban infrastructure project that will significantly improve public transport, people’s mobility, road traffic and people’s lives. It is an important day for Bucharest and for the extension of the metro network. With financing from the state budget, European funds and JICA reimbursable external funds, Metrorex S.A. is among those who are building for the people, for Romania, for a sustainable future”, says Mariana Miclăuș, General Manager of Metrorex.
The “Sfânta Maria” TBM is 97 meters long, weighs about 600 tons and has a 6.60-meter drill head. The TBM’s average forward speed is 1.5 meters per hour, during which it excavates about 60 cubic meters of earth. As it excavates and removes the excavated soil, the TBM mounts the tunnel rings.
The tunnel rings are transported by MSV (Multi Service Vehicle), a special transport vehicle that can carry up to 50 tons. The average installation rate is 13 to 14 rings per tunnel in 24 hours and the staff operating the TBM work 24 hours in three shifts. Except for necessary breaks for maintenance, the TBM runs continuously.
In the period following the start of operation of the “Sfânta Maria” TBM, the “Sfânta Ana” TBM will also become operational. It will also start from the future Tokyo metro station towards 1 Mai, excavating the second tunnel on the SOUTH Section.
Mariana Miclăuș
General Manager Metrorex S.A.
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