China-based STEC wins Metro Line-3 tunnel contract

The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL) has recently awarded the contract of Mumbai Metro Line-3 tunnel to the China-based Shanghai Tunnel Engineering Corporation Ltd (STEC) for setting up the ventilation and environmental control systems. The project's phase-I, which includes the tunnel from Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) to Aarey colony with Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) being the funding agency will connect three business districts of Colaba, Bandra and Seepz in Mumbai. Tunnel ventilation and environmental control system is a critical component of Metro Line-3 implementation for passengers’ comfort and safety, Managing Director of MMRCL, Ashwini Bhide, said, adding that the 33.5 km-long Metro line-3 project is being executed at an estimated cost of ₹23,000 crore. The nodal agency aims to implement the robust and technologically advanced system and complete the work in time so that project can be completed by 2022.

The tunnel ventilation system is a critical life safety system to protect passengers during fire and smoke emergencies in the stations and tunnels. It lowers tunnel air temperature during normal and congested conditions and provides smoke management during train fire and other emergencies. The environmental control system (ECS) pumps in fresh air, provides for 24×7 cooling system and smoke extraction at stations during emergency situations.