The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has realigned the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR) twin tunnel project, a key infrastructure initiative aimed at improving connectivity across Mumbai. As part of the plan, a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) is set to arrive in August to facilitate excavation work. However, the project awaits land allocation from Film City management in Goregaon East for TBM installation.
The ambitious GMLR project will feature twin tunnels, each 4.70 km long, linking the western suburbs at Dadasaheb Phalke Film City in Goregaon to the eastern suburbs at Mulund, extending up to Khindipada. These parallel tunnels will run entirely beneath the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Additionally, a box tunnel will be constructed in the Film City area to provide access to the underground tunnels.
Currently, work is underway on the launching shaft for the tunnel, which measures approximately 200 meters in length, 30 meters in width, and 38 meters in height. Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijeet Bangar inspected the piling work on Thursday. To ensure timely land allocation at Josh Maidan, Welcome Maidan, and Sai Maidan, he directed the local ward office to follow up with Film City management.
The GMLR project also includes a six-lane flyover spanning 1,265 meters, constructed using box girders and high-grade concrete. Pedestrian bridges and automated sliding staircases will be incorporated. Except for the four vertical piers at Ratnagiri Junction, the project is in its final stages. Bangar, along with experts, reviewed the structural implementation plan, with IIT’s final feedback pending before execution.
“As per the current plan, the flyover construction will take nine months. During this time, we aim to complete work on both sides of Ratnagiri Junction, including pier erection, span work, and other related tasks to expedite traffic movement,” Bangar stated. He also instructed the contractor to deploy additional manpower in three shifts to accelerate progress.
The twin tunnels are expected to be finished by October 2028, according to the BMC. By connecting the Eastern Express Highway at Mulund and the Western Express Highway in Goregaon, the 12.2 kilometre road will cut the 75-minute travel time between the two areas to just 25 minutes. The project, which is expected to cost Rs 6,500 crores, is expected to significantly alleviate Mumbai commuters’ burden.
Source: The Free Press Journal
