Tunnelling Innovation

Tunnelling Innovation

Advancing the frontiers of engineering through cutting-edge tunnelling solutions.

Overview

Our Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) technology has evolved from the Slurry Mix-Shield TBM to the Variable Density TBM (VD TBM) used in the SMART and MRT Kajang Line projects. For the MRT Putrajaya Line, the TBM technology later transformed into our in-house autonomous TBM (TBM), a significant upgrade from our groundbreaking VD TBM. The award-winning innovation that has established our international tunnelling presence and now drives TBM advancements across projects from Australia to Singapore. 

Digital Next-Generation IBS

Our Next-Generation Digital IBS is reshaping construction for residential, commercial and infrastructure projects. By combining cloud design, BIM and robotic automation, it delivers faster builds, flexible designs and superior quality. With sustainability is at its core, our Banting and Sepang factories run on renewable energy, with rooftop solar powering AI-IoT systems and robotics.

Our factories boast Malaysia’s largest manufacturing capacity, supporting major projects like AIMS Cyberjaya Blocks 2 and 3, a hyperscale data centre at Elmina Business Park and a growing portfolio of other data centre developments.

Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel (SMART)

SMART took the world by storm with its unique concept to solve two of the critical dilemmas faced by urban cities – traffic and floodwater drainage.

This world’s first dual-purpose 13.2m diameter tunnel was constructed with a Slurry Mix-Shield TBM. SMART, in its own capacity could address 45 percent of Klang Valley’s major floods.

Variable Density Tunnel Boring Machine (VD TBM)

An industry first, the versatile VD TBM was developed with Herrenknecht and has various tunnelling modes with the unique ability to adjust slurry density for different ground conditions. Developed for the challenges faced during the SMART Tunnel project, it achieved a remarkable 95 percent reduction in sinkhole incidents during the construction of the MRT Kajang Line, highlighting its effectiveness in ground control. The VD TBM was optimised for the MRT Putrajaya Line, laying the foundation for our next breakthrough – the Autonomous TBM.

Recognising the need for specialised skills to operate this advanced machinery, we established the Tunnelling Training Academy in Malaysia for the MRT Line. This pioneering institution provides hands-on training in TBM technology, developing a skilled workforce for the region and beyond.

Autonomous Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM)

Gamuda’s world-first TBM is a huge upgrade from the VD TBM. Developed in-house, the Autonomous TBM utilises artificial intelligence algorithms for autonomous control of TBM operations through a plug and play system. It leverages real-time data to steer, advance, excavate and slurry sub-systems with minimal human input. The result is safer tunnelling, enhanced cost efficiency, faster response times, and higher accuracy. Our TBM has secured international contracts for Gamuda, introducing the technology for the first time to Australia, Singapore and Taiwan.

In Australia, the TBM has been deployed on the Sydney Metro West – Western Tunnelling Package.

We also established the Tunnelling and Infrastructure Academy (TIA) which features simulated training in tunnel operations in a safe environment, designed to upskill tunnelling workers. Through continuous innovation, Gamuda is committed to break ground on new applications for TBM technology and push the boundaries of underground construction.

Variable Density Tunnel Boring Machine (VD TBM)

An industry first, the versatile VD TBM was developed with Herrenknecht and has various tunnelling modes with the unique ability to adjust slurry density for different ground conditions. Developed for the challenges faced during the SMART Tunnel project, it achieved a remarkable 95 percent reduction in sinkhole incidents during the construction of the MRT Kajang Line, highlighting its effectiveness in ground control. The VD TBM was optimised for the MRT Putrajaya Line, laying the foundation for our next breakthrough – the Autonomous TBM.
Recognising the need for specialised skills to operate this advanced machinery, we established the Tunnelling Training Academy in Malaysia for the MRT Line. This pioneering institution provides hands-on training in TBM technology, developing a skilled workforce for the region and beyond.

Autonomous Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM)

Gamuda’s world-first TBM is a huge upgrade from the VD TBM. Developed in-house, the Autonomous TBM utilises artificial intelligence algorithms for autonomous control of TBM operations through a plug and play system. It leverages real-time data to steer, advance, excavate and slurry sub-systems with minimal human input. The result is safer tunnelling, enhanced cost efficiency, faster response times, and higher accuracy. Our TBM has secured international contracts for Gamuda, introducing the technology for the first time to Australia, Singapore and Taiwan.

Autodesk Construction Cloud

Integrating Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) throughout our engineering processes has broken down the barriers of people operating in silos. The unified platform allows seamless collaboration between multidisciplinary and regional teams, accelerates project completion time and keeps within budget and meets global standards.


In Australia, the TBM has been deployed on the Sydney Metro West – Western Tunnelling Package.

We also established the Tunnelling and Infrastructure Academy (TIA) which features simulated training in tunnel operations in a safe environment, designed to upskill tunnelling workers. Through continuous innovation, Gamuda is committed to break ground on new applications for TBM technology and push the boundaries of underground construction.
Winner of the "Major Project of the Year" in 2021 and “Technical Product/ Equipment Innovation of the Year” in 2019 by the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association (ITA).
Winner of Tunnelling Project of the Year - Putrajaya Line Underground Package, New Civil Engineer Tunnelling Festival 2021
Winner of the International Project of the Year, Ground Engineering Awards 2021 in London for the MRT Putrajaya Line.