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In a momentous achievement, the Mumbai Coast Road Project, undertaken by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), has reached a major milestone. The second tunnel, spanning 2.07 kilometers, has successfully completed its breakthrough. This exciting progress was announced by officials on Tuesday, signifying a significant step forward for the project.
Transforming Mumbai’s Coastal Connectivity
The Mumbai Coast Road Project’s initial stage aims to link the Princess Street Flyover (located in Marine Lines) to the southern tip of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, covering a distance of 10.65 kilometers. This ambitious project involves remarkable engineering feats, including reclaiming 4.35 kilometers of land from the Arabian Sea and building sea-walls, bridges, and twin-tunnels beneath Malabar Hill. The tunnels are designed to facilitate smooth traffic flow with six lanes at their disposal.
Enhancing Infrastructure and Green Spaces
As part of the project, four underground car parks will be built, providing parking spaces for 1,856 vehicles. Furthermore, the Mumbai Coast Road Project will create 70 hectares of open green spaces along the route, offering residents tranquil and rejuvenating areas amidst the urban landscape.
Extensive Interchanges and Sea-Walls
The project will include three interchanges, spanning a total length of 15.66 kilometers, to facilitate seamless travel and improved connectivity. Additionally, a 7.47-kilometer sea-wall will be constructed to safeguard the coastal area, providing vital protection against natural elements.
Project Cost and Timeline
The Mumbai Coast Road Project is a massive undertaking, with a total cost of around Rs 12,720 crore. Construction alone accounts for Rs 8,429 crore. The project began in October 2018 from the southern side. The first tunnel excavation started on January 11, 2021, and achieved a breakthrough by January 10, 2022, within just one year. The second tunnel excavation began on April 26, of the same year and reached a breakthrough after approximately thirteen months. Currently, the project is about seventy-five percent complete, with all tunnel work finished, along with ninety-five percent land reclamation and eighty-four percent sea-wall construction.
Advantages of the Coastal Road Project
The Mumbai Coast Road Project will bring numerous benefits to the city. It aims to reduce travel time on this route by 70 percent, resulting in substantial time and fuel savings of approximately 34 percent. The inclusion of dedicated bus lanes will alleviate traffic congestion, ensuring smoother and more efficient transportation.
Pioneering Achievements
The Mumbai Coast Road Project proudly showcases several groundbreaking achievements in India. It involves the deployment of the country’s largest tunnel boring machine (TBM), measuring 12.19 meters. The project also introduces the innovative Saccardo Ventilation System within the tunnels. Furthermore, it features a Monopile Foundation bridge. This comprehensive project encompasses various elements, including land reclamation, sea-walls, bridges, interchanges, tunnels, parking lots, and green spaces, setting new standards in infrastructure development.