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After a frustrating delay of five months, we finally have some good news for the ambitious Mumbai coastal road project. The second tunnel boring, a crucial part of the project, was successfully completed on Monday evening. This achievement marks a significant milestone towards the realization of this important infrastructure development.
The breakthrough for the first tunnel occurred on January 10 last year. The north-bound tunnel, stretching from Priyadarshini Park to Girgaon Chowpatty, spans a length of 2,072 meters. On the other hand, the south-bound tunnel is slightly longer, measuring 2,082 meters. These tunnels are crucial elements of the coastal road project, significantly improving transportation connectivity.
The coastal road project’s initial phase encompasses a 10.58-kilometer stretch, starting from the Princess Street flyover at Marine Drive and extending to the Worli end of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. This phase is currently being constructed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Once completed, it will bring a host of benefits, including reduced traffic congestion and improved travel times.
As part of this phase, twin tunnels are being built at a depth of 10-12 meters, ensuring smooth traffic flow and improved connectivity. Notably, the BMC has procured the largest Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) in the country, named Mavala. With a diameter of 12.2 meters, this impressive machine showcases the scale and complexity of the project.
Currently, approximately 75% of the coastal road project’s first phase has been completed, marking significant progress. If everything continues smoothly, a portion of the coastal road could be ready by November 2023. However, additional time may be required to address the concerns of local fishermen, who have requested a wider navigation span of 120 meters for their boats. Taking their demands into consideration, the project’s completion might be extended by another six months. The goal is to ensure the project is fully commissioned and ready for public use by May 2024.