Malaysian TBM Technology Drives Sydney Metro Tunnel Expansion

The Sydney Metro West – Western Tunnelling Package (WTP) has achieved significant progress with the deployment of two advanced tunnel boring machines (TBMs) developed by Malaysian company, Gamuda. Sydney Metro have named the autonomous TBMs, Betty and Dorothy. They both arrived at Sydney Olympic Park in mid-2023 to excavate tunnels for the city’s latest metro expansion.

These state-of-the-art TBMs mark the first use of autonomous tunnelling technology in Australia. Gamuda’s technology, is part of a joint venture with Laing O’Rourke to deliver 9 km of twin metro rail tunnels. Eventually, the WTP aims to enhance connectivity between Greater Parramatta and Sydney’s CBD. The TBM technology gained international acclaim after its deployment in the Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit Putrajaya Line in Malaysia.

TBM Technology Pioneered in 2013 KL MRT Tunnel Project

Gamuda’s tunnel boring expertise traces back to 2013. Malaysia’s then-Prime Minister, Najib Razak, officially launched the world’s first Variable Density TBM at the Cochrane site in Kuala Lumpur. This innovative machine was a milestone in tunnelling technology. Gamuda designed their machines to handle the challenging limestone geology of the region. Najib hailed the TBM’s launch as a significant achievement. Moreover, it positioned Malaysia as a pioneer in tunnel construction and an emerging leader in the global infrastructure industry.

Building on this legacy, TBM Betty is named after Olympic legend Betty Cuthbert. It began its journey in June, followed by Dorothy in July. TBM Dorothy is named after human rights advocate Dorothy Buckland-Fuller. Over a period of 10 months, these machines excavated 857,500 tonnes of material. In fact, this amount is equivalent to filling 156 Olympic-sized swimming pools. At the same time, the TBMs installed over 32,600 precast concrete segments to reinforce the tunnels.

This technological feat showcases the capabilities of Gamuda’s award-winning autonomous TBM system. After all, it was first developed in Malaysia and now contributing to Australia’s largest public transport project. With Betty and Dorothy nearing the completion of their current assignments, focus will now shift to continued tunnelling towards Westmead, with further breakthroughs expected in mid-2025.