The completion of this construction project will result in reduced travel time between the eastern and western parts of Mumbai, offering seamless connectivity to Marine Drive and the Eastern Freeway.
Mumbai is set to undergo significant infrastructure development with the construction of its first urban underground road tunnel project.
The urban underground road tunnel project is part of the 9.23-kilometre corridor connecting the Eastern Freeway’s Orange Gate to the coastline route at Marine Drive.
The project implementation falls under the responsibility of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).
The purpose of this project is to alleviate the traffic congestion in south Mumbai, particularly around Orange Gate. The Mumbai Port Trust and the Main Post Office square on P D’ Mello Marg have been facing challenges due to this congestion, and it is expected to worsen with the upcoming Mumbai Trans Harbour Sea link (MTHL) connecting JNPT.
Therefore, the construction of this underground road tunnel will play a crucial role in mitigating these challenges and improving the overall traffic situation in the area.
The contractor selected for the project is Larsen & Toubro (L&T).
Alignment of the project
The project will include 6.51 km twin-tube underground tunnel with 2+2 traffic lanes, 1+1 emergency lanes, and pedestrian walkways in each tunnel.
The left-hand side tunnel is 4.5 km long and is designated for southbound traffic, while the right-hand side tunnel is 2 km long and is designated for northbound traffic.
The tunnels are planned to be constructed beneath a variety of existing infrastructure, such as railways, underground Metros, roads, and heritage buildings. These tunnels will be located at depths of up to 40 meters below ground level.
To proceed with the project, several permissions need to be obtained, including Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance, land acquisition, and traffic block management.
The estimated cost of the project is Rs 7,765 crore.
The construction project will involve the development of a viaduct at the Eastern Freeway Orange Gate to provide vehicle access. Additionally, open cuts and access roads will be created on both sides of the corridor.
A tunnel will be constructed on the left side, passing beneath the seaway and resurfacing after B D Somani Chowk, just before Wankhede Stadium.
The alignment of the project will include the construction of cut-and-cover roads and viaducts. Tunnelling for the project will be carried out using a Tunnel Boring Machine.
Significance
The completion of this construction project will result in reduced travel time between the eastern and western parts of Mumbai, offering seamless connectivity to Marine Drive and the Eastern Freeway.
Congestion on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Road will be significantly reduced by diverting through traffic to the tunnel. Currently, it takes about 30 minutes during peak hours to travel from the eastern freeway to Marine Drive, but this travel time will be reduced to just 10 minutes once the tunnel is operational. Additionally, the tunnel will contribute to reducing carbon emissions, making it an environmentally friendly solution.
It will also benefit future connectivity projects that aim to connect the western and eastern sides of Mumbai. Moreover, residents of South Mumbai will enjoy faster connections to Navi Mumbai and other areas, enhancing overall accessibility.
According to Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, Commissioner of MMRDA, the organisation is leading several ambitious projects focused on enhancing transportation infrastructure and promoting overall development in the region. These projects have been carefully planned to complement one another, effectively addressing traffic congestion and providing citizens with convenient transportation options, reports Indian Express.
The MMRDA’s efforts are aimed at creating a more efficient and accessible transportation network for the benefit of all residents.