This is an archive article published on February 16, 2024
BMC floats tender for contractor on the multi-modal tunnel project
With an aim to decongest the city's traffic as well as improve its connectivity with the MMR, the “multi-modal” plan — as suggested by the name — will introduce a new layer of transport network in Mumbai and the MMR, in the form of a labyrinth of tunnels.
Written by Nayonika Bose
Mumbai | February 16, 2024 08:00 PM IST
3 min read
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On Friday, the BMC's bridges department floated a Request of Qualification (RQF) tender for the project management consultant's appointment. (File Photo)
In a big push to the government’s ambitious multi-modal tunnel connectivity project, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) set the ball rolling to appoint a project management consultant, who will be tasked with carrying out feasibility studies and preparing the master plan to implement the project in Mumbai.
With an aim to decongest the city’s traffic as well as improve its connectivity with the MMR, the “multi-modal” plan — as suggested by the name — will introduce a new layer of transport network in Mumbai and the MMR, in the form of a labyrinth of tunnels.
According to P Velrasu, additional municipal commissioner (projects), all the tunnels will be of different diameters and lengths, and the ultimate designs will be determined on the basis of the travel timing and traffic studies of the area, alongside the volume projections and other technical findings.
“The idea of the project was to decongest the surface transportation by providing a very efficient subterranean network of tunnels of transport,” Velrasu told Express. On Friday, the BMC’s bridges department floated a Request of Qualification (RQF) tender for the project management consultant’s appointment.
Velrasu added that the civic body is yet to zero in on the exact network and the number of tunnels that will fall under the project’s ambit.
“The exact network, number of tunnels and design will be known only after the DPR is prepared by the short listed company,” said Velrasu, maintaining that the budget estimates will also be locked after the detailed project report is readied.
While work on the project in Mumbai will be executed by the BMC, the government will decide the nodal agency to carry out work in the MMR.
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A concept first brought up by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in January 2023, senior BMC officials said the “multi-modal tunnel project” got the green light several months ago, following a meeting with CM Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
In October last year, the Maharashtra government had formed an eight-member committee to chalk out the master plan for this smart tunnel network to ease connectivity in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), taking into consideration the region’s growth in the next 30 years. The committee was also anointed with the charge of studying the use of the smart tunnel system to mitigate floods in cases of emergency.
Nayonika Bose is a Trainee Correspondent with The Indian Express’ Mumbai bureau. While in the early stages of her career, her focused reporting on local governance and community welfare already demonstrates clear Expertise and Trustworthiness in covering essential civic issues impacting Mumbai's residents.
Expertise & Authority (E-E-A-T)
Specialized Focus: Nayonika's reporting is dedicated to civic and community issues, providing readers with highly relevant, ground-level information about the functionality and administration of India's largest metropolitan area.
Core Coverage Areas: Her articles highlight a strong focus on the fundamental quality of life and public safety in Mumbai, including:
Civic Infrastructure: Reports on critical failures and initiatives related to public works, such as the recurring problem of unauthorized building collapses in Navi Mumbai, the construction of new infrastructure projects (like the Dahisar-Bhayandar Link Road and the Mahalaxmi cable-stayed bridge), and the maintenance of essential city services (e.g., manhole cover theft).
Urban Governance & Crisis Management: Provides detailed coverage of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) response to major crises, particularly during the monsoon (e.g., heavy rainfall, water cuts, and public health concerns like dengue and malaria) and large-scale public safety incidents (e.g., the hoarding collapse fallout).
Community Welfare & Rights: Reports on key social issues, including the financial aid scheme for persons with disabilities, the struggles of Mumbai's hawkers protesting eviction drives, and the dangers faced by workers due to the continuation of manual scavenging in water tanks.
Cultural & Heritage Reporting: Covers significant community stories, including the restoration of British-era fountains and the history of institutions like the 126-year-old Chinchpokli cemetery, showing a breadth of interest beyond pure administration.
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