By Lynda Myer
Considering that the VSE Coxim shaft is an intermediate shaft for ventilation and emergency exits, between Vila Formosa and Analia Franco stations, following that TBM Cora Coralina which is constructing the 7.3 km tunnels for the metro Line 2-Green extension in Sao Paulo, reached this shaft on 20/04/2024, it marked a significant milestone. With a diameter of 11.66 m, 1100m length and 500 t weight currently this TBM is excavating at a depth of 41 m.
In order to commencing the digging process around 800 m towards Analia Franco station, TBM Cora Coralina left the Vila Formosa construction site in March, whereas it had completed the first 654 m stretch of tunnel lined with 436 concrete rings with 11,6 m/day of average advancement. The TBM placed 171 concrete rings during 23 days of excavation from Vila Formosa to the shaft and also removing almost 30 thousand m3 of earth along the way.
As the largest TBM ever delivered to South America, this TBM has been manufactured by the China Railway Engineering Equipment Group (CREG).
Extension of Line 2-Green
While the São Paulo government awards the EUR2.43 bn (BRL13.4 bn) funds to the Line 2-Green, it is being stretched between Vila Prudente and Penha, to build a further 8.4 km section (8 km of which will be operational) that involves eight new stations, crossing the eastern zone of São Paulo. The scheduled date for completion of the first stage, from Vila Prudente to Vila Formosa, is 2026, while the 2027 is planned time for completion of second section, from Vila Formosa to Penha. Once completed, increasing the journey speed for residents of the eastern region and facilitate reaching other regions of São Paulo, as well as redistributing passenger demand on the other metro and train lines, bringing more comfort to people, will be the advantages of this new stretch.
The contract for building of this metro Line 2-Green extension, is up to Sacyr Engineering and Infrastructures, in a consortium with Engibras and SA Paulista.
