Mumbai: Space issues raise GMLR tunnels’ cost by Rs 132 cr

Rise in cost is because casting yard required for project will now have to be set up 25 km away

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will spend Rs 12,013.41 crore on the construction and maintenance of the underground tunnels of the Goregaon Mulund Link Road (GMLR) including taxes. The estimated cost of constructing the project was Rs 6,271 crore, but Rs 6,602 crore will now be spent on building the tunnels as well as renting a casting yard and the disposal of debris.

Of the Rs 6,602, the BMC will spend Rs 6,301 crore on the actual construction work while Rs 132 crore will be spent on renting the casting yard—which will be 25 km away from the project site, an eco-sensitive zone. The disposal of debris accounts for Rs 169 crore. The civic body cleared the proposal to construct the two tunnels recently. “We are trying to start the work as soon as possible. The tunnels will be completed in five years,” an official told mid-day.

A Goregaon Mulund Link Road construction site on September 24. Pic/Atul Kamble

The 4.7-kilometre-long tunnels, which will be beneath Sanjay Gandhi National Park, link Goregoan to Khindipada in Mulund. The contract also includes the construction of a 1.2-kilometre-long box tunnel from Goregoan Film City road to the National Park tunnel. The tunnels will be 13 metres in diameter.

The tendering process was delayed due to technical reasons as well as the pandemic, the BMC stated in its proposal. The contract includes maintenance of the tunnels for 10 years. The BMC appointed a joint venture comprising J Kumar Infra Project and Nagarjuna Construction Company as the contractors.

The distance between both tunnels is 15 metres and they will be connected via cross passages every 300 metres. “If there are any emergencies, the cross passages will help tackle traffic congestion,” said an official. 

“Also, there will be a footpath,” said another official. Of the total length of the stretch, 4.25 km passes under SGNP while 0.45 km passes under the eco-sensitive zone. The BMC’s largest water purification plant at Bhandup is in the area and the civic body will divert 1,800 millimetres of water mains due to the project.

“This is the last link road between the eastern and eastern suburbs. This link road will directly connect to Airoli, Navi Mumbai. Currently, there is no direct route to Navi Mumbai from the western suburbs,” an official added.

4.7km
Length of tunnels

15 metres
Distance between tunnels

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