Mumbai is all set to embark on a transformative infrastructure project, introducing its maiden urban underground road tunnel.
This visionary project is poised to reshape the city’s transportation landscape.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is leading this initiative. It’s more than just concrete and tunnels; it’s about making life easier for the people of Mumbai.
The ambitious 9.23-kilometer corridor project aims to connect the Eastern Freeway’s Orange Gate to the scenic Marine Drive coastline route. The traffic congestion here has been nothing short of a nightmare, and it’s only expected to get worse with the impending Mumbai Trans Harbour Sea Link (MTHL), connecting to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT).
Taking the lead in this transformation is Larsen & Toubro (L&T), a trusted contractor handpicked for this monumental project. Their expertise is the driving force behind this vision.
Mumbai Underground Road Tunnel Project: Details
The heart of this ambitious project consists of a 6.51-kilometer twin-tube underground tunnel, complete with 2+2 traffic lanes, 1+1 emergency lanes, and pedestrian walkways in each tunnel. Distinguished by their roles, the left-side tunnel, spanning 4.5 kilometers, is designated for southbound traffic, while the right-side tunnel, spanning 2 kilometers, caters to northbound traffic. This engineering marvel will navigate beneath existing infrastructure, including railways, underground metros, roads, and heritage structures, reaching depths of up to 40 meters below the ground.
Mumbai Underground Road Tunnel Project: Clearances and Permissions
However, to pave the way for this transformative project, several crucial permissions and clearances are required, including Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance, land acquisition, and traffic block management. The estimated cost of this monumental undertaking stands at Rs 7,765 crore.
Mumbai Underground Road Tunnel Project: Other Details
The project also involves the creation of a viaduct at the Eastern Freeway Orange Gate, offering seamless vehicle access. Additionally, open cuts and access roads will be established on both sides of the corridor. A tunnel will pass beneath the seaway, re-emerging after B D Somani Chowk, not far from the iconic Wankhede Stadium. The project’s alignment includes the construction of cut-and-cover roads and viaducts, with tunneling conducted using advanced tunnel boring machines.
Mumbai Underground Road Tunnel Project: What’s in it for the people of Mumbai?
Reduced travel times between the eastern and western parts of the city, providing uninterrupted connectivity to Marine Drive and the Eastern Freeway. The perpetual traffic jam on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Road will ease as traffic diverts into the tunnel. A journey that currently takes 30 minutes during peak hours from the Eastern Freeway to Marine Drive will be cut to just 10 minutes once the tunnel becomes operational.
Moreover, this tunnel promises to be environmentally friendly, reducing carbon emissions and supporting future connectivity projects aiming to unite the western and eastern realms of Mumbai. Residents of South Mumbai can look forward to quicker connections to Navi Mumbai and beyond, enhancing overall accessibility.
The MMRDA’s dedication aims to create a more streamlined and accessible transportation network, benefitting all residents of Mumbai.
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