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Changing City: BMC’s Rs 4300-crore proposal of multimodal tunnel network to decongest Mumbai’s traffic

The project will have six tunnels that will provide connectivity across the eastern and western suburbs. They will be interlinked with the existing and upcoming arterial roads, like the Goregaon Mulund Link Road, and Mumbai Coastal Road (Phases 1 and 2).

BMC has invited tenders for the project, and once the contractors are selected, a feasibility study will be carried out in line with the timeline of the project. (File Photo)

In a bid to ease commute and decongest traffic movement in Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to create a multi-modal vehicular tunnel network across Mumbai’s island city and suburbs.

About the project

As part of its plan, BMC will construct multiple interconnecting tunnels beneath the existing road surface of Mumbai. This web of tunnels will act as a parallel road network, providing an alternate path to the vehicles and in return decongest the existing roads of Mumbai.

Features of the project

According to the preliminary plan, the project will have six tunnels that will provide connectivity across the eastern and western suburbs. These tunnels will be interlinked with the existing and upcoming arterial roads, like the Goregaon Mulund Link Road, and Mumbai Coastal Road (Phases 1 and 2). Each tunnel will be equipped with a modernised ventilation system, digital signage system, lighting facility, as well as dedicated service lanes and access networks.

Current status

BMC has invited tenders for the project, and once the contractors are selected, a feasibility study will be carried out in line with the timeline of the project. The construction style will be fixed accordingly.

Cost

The project cost has been pegged at Rs 4,392 crore, while the construction of each tunnel is set to cost Rs 732 crore to the BMC.

Administration speaks

“The project is aimed at creating a significant master plan for connectivity in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The vehicular density of Mumbai is growing, and there is an ardent need to create an alternate mode of commute to meet future demands. The tender has been floating for a long time and we are awaiting a response from interested agencies,” said Abhijit Bangar, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects).

Pratip Acharya

Pratip Acharya is a seasoned journalist based in Mumbai reporting for The Indian Express. With a career spanning over a decade, his work demonstrates strong Expertise and Authority in critical urban issues, civic affairs, and electoral politics across Eastern and Western India. Expertise & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express (IE), reporting from Mumbai. Core Authority: Pratip's reporting focuses sharply on local democracy and development, specializing in: Urban Governance and Civic Affairs: Providing in-depth analysis of municipal decision-making, city planning, and local infrastructure, essential for informed urban reporting. City Politics and Environment: Covering the political dynamics of Mumbai and surrounding areas, alongside critical environmental challenges impacting the metro region. Electoral Coverage (High-Stakes Experience): He has extensive experience in high-stakes political reporting, having covered major elections, establishing his Trustworthiness in political analysis: National: Lok Sabha elections in 2014 and 2019. State: West Bengal Assembly elections in 2016 and Maharashtra Assembly elections in 2019. Major Assignments (Ground Reporting): Pratip demonstrated commitment during crises by conducting ground reporting throughout the Covid-19 pandemic since its breakout in 2020, offering first-hand accounts and analysis of the public health crisis. Experience Extensive Experience: Starting his career in 2014, Pratip has built his foundation across multiple prominent English dailies: Started at The Times of India in Kolkata (2014). Relocated to Mumbai (2016) and worked with The Free Press Journal and Hindustan Times before joining The Indian Express. Pratip Acharya's diverse experience across major publications, coupled with his specialized focus on the intricate details of urban governance and a track record of covering major electoral and health crises, establishes him as a trusted and authoritative source for news from India's critical metropolitan centres. ... Read More

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Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation BMC