By rosebell
Named Hebe Camargo, the 133m-long, 2,600-tonne machine was manufactured by China Railway Engineering Equipment Group (CREG). São Paulo Metro describes it as the largest TBM deployed on a metro project in Latin America.
The machine will excavate approximately 5.8km of tunnel between Penha and the Castelo Branco ventilation and emergency shaft.
Dual-mode TBM designed for soil and rock
Hebe Camargo is a dual-mode TBM capable of operating in earth pressure balance (EPB) and open modes. Designed for variable ground conditions, it has a reported advance capability of up to 15m per day in soil and 10m per day in rock.
The machine was presented at CREG’s factory in Shanghai in November 2025. Its assembly and integration of mechanical and electrical systems have been completed, alongside operational testing and safety inspections.
According to São Paulo Metro, the drive will involve excavating approximately 620,000m³ of material and installing 3,867 precast concrete lining components. An average advance rate of 12m per day is anticipated.
Initial excavation will be supported by intensive geotechnical monitoring and continuous supervision of the TBM’s operating parameters.
Two TBMs to operate simultaneously
The launch will enable two TBMs to operate simultaneously on different sections of the Line 2-Green expansion for the first time.
TBM Cora Coralina resumed excavation on 13 October on the Vila Prudente–Penha section, advancing towards the future Guilherme Giorgi station after previously progressing from Penha to the Júlio Colaço shaft. The machine is scheduled to pass through two additional stations along its route.
The Penha–Dutra extension is being delivered by the CGC consortium, comprising CRASA, Ghella and Consbem.
Line 2-Green expansion advances in two stages
The expansion is divided into two stages. The first covers approximately 8km between Vila Prudente and Penha and includes eight stations. Tunnelling has already been completed between Vila Prudente and Vila Formosa.
The second stage will extend the line from Penha to Dutra in Guarulhos, serving Penha and Tiquatira in São Paulo, as well as Ponte Grande and Vila Augusta in Guarulhos. Construction sites for this section are being established.
The extension aims to improve connectivity across the metropolitan area, provide alternative travel options for passengers using CPTM Lines 12-Sapphire and 13-Jade, and ease congestion on existing rail and metro services.
Once the expansion is complete, Line 2-Green is expected to extend to 28.5km, with 27 stations and capacity to carry approximately 1.5 million passengers per day.
