On April 9, 2025 the launching ceremony was held for the first of the two TBMs that will excavate the Southern section, 6.6 km long, between Tokyo and 1 Mai stations, of metro line 6 in Bucharest. The new line will connect 1Mai station with Henri Coanda - Otopeni International Airport, including 6 stations.     

The two TBMs were named Sfanta Maria/Santa Maria, a symbol of divine protection and care for all humanity, and Sfanta Ana/Saint Anna, a symbol of wisdom, patience and unwavering faith. The TBM Santa Maria arrived in Romania on September 8, 2024, the day of the celebration of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary.    

The TBM Santa Maria is 97 m long, weighs approximately 600 t and its head measures 6.60 m in diameter. The machine advances on average 1.5 m per hour, extracts approximately 60 m3 of earth and simultaneously installs the tunnel lining rings.  

The tunnel rings are transported by an MSV (Multi Service Vehicle) capable of transporting up to 50 t. On average, 13-14 rings are installed in 24 hours. The personnel operating the TBM work 24 hours a day, in three shifts. The TBM is in operation continuously, except for breaks necessary for maintenance.    

After the start of the TBM Santa Maria, the TBM Sant’Anna will also depart from the future Tokyo station in the direction of 1 Mai, to excavate the second tube of the Southern section. Click here for further information, here and ro/13 for tunnelbuilder archive. Visit https://magistrala6.ro/ and https://www.metrorex.ro/. 16/25.