Tunnel construction specialist RVR projects has opted to use emission-free, electric, portable air compressors from Atlas Copco to sustainably build 10km of tunnel as part of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway – a new road connection that promises a safer route for commuters and to slash travel time between the two cities by 45 minutes. 

Mumbai – India’s commercial metropolis and one of the most densely populated cities in the world – is changing. Its population has increased significantly over the last half century and continues to grow rapidly – as does its traffic. The roads are congested and overcrowded, making travelling an often unpleasant and frustrating experience. Mudslides caused by monsoon weather conditions also critically impact traffic delays, as well as threatening the safety of commuters.

To improve the situation on the road, a fast new connection expressway is being built between Mumbai and Pune, two of the biggest commercial cities of the country. The Mumbai-Pune Expressway is an ongoing project that consists of the construction of different tunnels, bridges and roads, creating a reliable shortcut for the existing road. Scheduled for completion next year, people are working 24/7 on this prestigious project to ensure its success. It will decrease travel time by an incredible 45 minutes and improve the safety of those travelling.

RVR projects is one of two contractors on-site to take on the tough job of building the expressway’s tunnels. 

Withstanding extreme conditions 

The local construction specialist opted to use two of its 13 Atlas Copco electric E-Air compressors for shotcreting the hanging and side walls of the underground excavation. This strengthens the tunnel while leaving the structure of the rocks intact. The tunneling expert is also using an Atlas Copco pneumatic stoper drill to support the drilling works. 

RVR projects has more than 800 members of its team building the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, with – at some moments – up to 2,000 workers joining forces, working in shifts to ensure its success in time for the scheduled completion date. Their working conditions in the tunnels are tough; inside it is dusty, muddy, and very hot, with the temperature rising to a scorching 45 degrees Celsius. 

To help withstand these extreme conditions, RVR projects choose the highly efficient, low cost and ultra-quiet electric E-Air compressors. The E-Airs do not produce emissions, which makes them an ideal fit for the inside operations. The compressors are working 24/7 to keep the project running continuously; maintain a consistent supply of clean air to help improve the air quality; and reduce the noise for those working inside the tunnels.

The construction company decided to choose the electric E-Air due to it being fitted with Atlas Copco’s in-house-developed electric motor and power electronics, which have both been refined and proven suitable for the toughest of applications and environments. The unit’s motor is oil-cooled and therefore able to withstand high humidity and dusty environments, and its power electronics are liquid cooled, offering unparalleled reliability. 

The road to net zero



Atlas Copco has stated it is “committed to being at the forefront of change in offering sustainable solutions for the machine-driven industry”. 

It has developed a portfolio of solutions that target net zero goals while delivering better efficiency and contributing to a lower total cost of ownership than traditional alternatives. Atlas Copco Portable Air has taken an innovative step towards decarbonisation by offering sustainably-driven electric compressors.