The expansion of São Paulo Metro’s Line 2-Green reached a major milestone on Monday (1 September) with the lowering of the cutter head of the tunnel boring machine (TBM) Cora Coralina—known locally as the “tatuzão”—at Penha station in the city’s eastern zone.
The operation marks the start of the second phase of tunnelling, which will extend the line from Penha to the previously completed section at the Rapadura Complex. The 11.66-metre-diameter, 205-tonne cutter head was positioned with the aid of a 750-tonne crane.
Boost to connectivity and capacity
“This operation represents a significant step in the expansion of Line 2-Green, promoting connectivity between densely populated districts and the wider metro network,” said Marcus Herani, Head of Civil Operations at São Paulo Metro. “The extension to Penha will add 320,000 passengers per day to the line, increasing system capacity, reducing travel times, and enabling more efficient integration between the eastern districts and the rest of the city.”
Up to 150 staff, including engineers, mechanics, technicians, electricians and operators, will be directly involved in the TBM’s operations.
The TBM in detail
In addition to its cutter head—most visible when breaking into new station sites—the TBM includes the “backup” system. This comprises conveyor belts for soil removal, a hyperbaric chamber, ventilation systems, and equipment for installing the concrete lining segments, among other components.
Having already completed tunnelling from the Rapadura Complex to the VSE Falchi Gianini shaft, passing through stations such as Vila Formosa, Anália Franco and Orfanato, the TBM will now begin excavation towards Vila Prudente. With the cutter head lowered and final assembly completed, tunnelling on the new section is scheduled to begin later in 2025.
Tamanduateí Yard expansion
In parallel, work continues on the expansion of the Tamanduateí yard in the city’s south zone. According to Agência SP, the project is already 25% complete and will increase the facility’s built area by around 84%, from 7,273 m² to 13,373 m².
Key works include the construction of five new operational blocks, among them a new 5,200 m² A1 train workshop and the expansion of the existing C1 workshop by 790 m². Nearly 3 km of new tracks are also planned, enabling the circulation and stabling of 22 new trains being supplied from China.
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