São Paulo Metro Line 2-Green Expansion: Cora Coralina TBM Deployed

Introduction

On September 1, the cutter head of the tunnel boring machine (TBM) Cora Coralina was lowered at Penha station in São Paulo, marking the start of the second phase of tunnelling for the expansion of São Paulo Metro’s Line 2-Green.

TBM Deployment

The 11.66-metre-diameter, 205-tonne cutter head was positioned with the aid of a 750-tonne crane. The operation marks the beginning of the second phase of tunnelling, which will extend the line from Penha to the Rapadura Complex. According to Marcus Herani, Head of Civil Operations at São Paulo Metro, the extension to Penha will add 320,000 passengers per day to the line. Up to 150 staff, including engineers, mechanics, technicians, electricians, and operators, will be directly involved in the TBM’s operations.

TBM Components and Operations

The TBM includes the “backup” system. This comprises conveyor belts for soil removal, a hyperbaric chamber, ventilation systems, and equipment for installing the concrete lining segments, among other components.

Tunnelling Progress and Future Plans

The TBM has already completed tunnelling from the Rapadura Complex to the VSE Falchi Gianini shaft, passing through stations such as Vila Formosa, Anália Franco and Orfanato. Following the cutter head’s lowering and final assembly, tunnelling on the new section is scheduled to begin later in 2025. The TBM will now begin excavation towards Vila Prudente.

Tamanduateí Yard Expansion

Work continues on the expansion of the Tamanduateí yard in the city’s south zone. According to Agência SP, the project is already 25% complete and will increase the facility’s built area by around 84%, from 7,273 m² to 13,373 m². Key works include the construction of five new operational blocks, among them a new 5,200 m² A1 train workshop and the expansion of the existing C1 workshop by 790 m². Nearly 3 km of new tracks are also planned, enabling the circulation and stabling of 22 new trains being supplied from China.

Conclusion

The expansion of São Paulo Metro’s Line 2-Green is progressing, with the TBM Cora Coralina starting the second phase of tunnelling and ongoing work at the Tamanduateí yard. The project aims to increase system capacity and improve connectivity.

Company Summary

São Paulo Metro: Operates and expands the metro system in São Paulo, Brazil.

Technology

TBM: Tunnel boring machine.