Metro systems pave the way for urban mobility
New routes underground

Space above ground in cities is severely limited. To ensure the mobility of residents, commuters and tourists, transport routes are being developed underground – new metro systems worldwide are evidence of this trend.

The network is getting denser

The expansion of metro networks has the highest priority in many metropolitan areas. Since 2006, Shanghai alone has expanded its metro network from 83 kilometers to 588 kilometers.

Our tunnelling technology creates the fastest route from A to B

Together with contractors, we create efficient metro networks for the urban mobility of tomorrow to ensure stress-free traffic in cities.

Mobility bottlenecks due to chronically congested roads are one of the most urgent planning challenges in urban conurbations. Efficient metro systems are often the best or only solution to successfully meet this challenge. They prove themselves daily in cities around the globe and transport millions of tourists, commuters and city residents to their desired destinations – safely, reliably and low in emissions. For decades, clients and contractors have relied on Herrenknecht's experience and technology to efficiently drive progress in underground expansion and new construction. Our tunnelling technology can cope with tight space constraints, can be used in all geologies and builds high quality structures with maximum safety within the restrictions of existing urban conditions. Exactly where they are needed.

We smooth the way through the underground

With Herrenknecht’s help, metropolises around the world are getting efficient metro systems. More than 1,900 kilometers of tunnel tubes have already been built using our tunnelling technology for expansion and new construction. For your project this means:

  • vast experience and expertise
  • top technology of the highest quality
  • fully-customized, innovative solutions
  • smooth progress and expert troubleshooting
  • comprehensive service on- and off-site
  • close teamwork with all project partners
  • maximum reliability from start to finish

In short: we do everything to ensure your project runs as smoothly as possible while keeping to budget and to schedule.

Example jobsite overview

Metro tunnels and ventilation or rescue shafts must be built within the constraints of existing urban planning conditions with maximum safety for people, buildings and technology. Herrenknecht tunnelling technology can handle even the most confined spaces and bores exactly along the specified alignment. 

1
Vertical Shaft Sinking Machine VSM

The VSM is sinking a ventilation or access shaft – safely, quickly, and precisely. Thanks to its modular structure, the machine can also be used for inner-city projects with space constraints.


More information

2
Mixshield

The convertible Mixshield is boring a tube for a new metro line with shallow overburden and in a heterogeneous geology. The support pressure is regulated precisely using a bentonite suspension and a compressed air bubble.


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3
EPB Shield

The EPB (Earth Pressure Balance) Shield is excavating a metro tunnel to connect an intermodal traffic hub. The TBM achieves a high advance rate in cohesive soils, supporting the tunnel face using the loosened soil.


More information

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The VSM is sinking a ventilation or access shaft – safely, quickly, and precisely. Thanks to its modular structure, the machine can also be used for inner-city projects with space constraints.


More information

The convertible Mixshield is boring a tube for a new metro line with shallow overburden and in a heterogeneous geology. The support pressure is regulated precisely using a bentonite suspension and a compressed air bubble.


More information

The EPB (Earth Pressure Balance) Shield is excavating a metro tunnel to connect an intermodal traffic hub. The TBM achieves a high advance rate in cohesive soils, supporting the tunnel face using the loosened soil.


More information

Tunnelling technology for metro tunnels

Learn more about our full range of tunnelling technology for your upcoming tunnel project.

Still got questions?

We are ready!

Steffen Dubé President and General Manager Herrenknecht Tunnelling Systems USA Inc.
Gerhard Goisser Commercial Manager Herrenknecht Tunnelling Systems USA, Inc.

Your contact person Contact us

Steffen Dubé President and General Manager Herrenknecht Tunnelling Systems USA Inc.
Gerhard Goisser Commercial Manager Herrenknecht Tunnelling Systems USA, Inc.