The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to begin tunnel boring for the 7.13-km Kasheli (Bhiwandi)-Mulund Octroi Naka water tunnel by September, marking a significant milestone in one of the city’s key water infrastructure projects. The civic body has set October 2030 as the target for completing the tunnel.
The 4.5-metre-diameter tunnel is part of BMC’s long-term plan to strengthen Mumbai’s water distribution network through underground infrastructure aimed at improving supply efficiency and reducing water losses caused by leakages.
Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar recently reviewed the progress of the project and directed officials to ensure strict adherence to construction quality, safety measures and completion schedules. Construction work on the project commenced in September 2024.
Preparations for the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) have reached an advanced stage. Civic officials said all major TBM components have arrived at the site, along with a 14-km conveyor system that will be used to transport excavated material during tunnelling operations.
At the Kasheli end, excavation of the 128-metre-deep recovery shaft has progressed to a depth of 27 metres. Meanwhile, significant work has already been completed at the Mulund end of the project.
The 134-metre-deep launching shaft at Mulund has been fully constructed, while excavation of the assembly tunnel, tail tunnel and tube tunnel has also been completed. Reinforced concrete lining work inside the launching shaft is currently in progress.
According to BMC officials, the new underground tunnel will serve as an additional corridor for transporting water from the Bhatsa water supply system, helping improve the city’s water distribution capacity.
In addition to the drinking water project, the civic body is also moving ahead with its treated wastewater reuse initiative. As part of the programme, tunnel boring for the 11.61-km Ghatkopar-Bhandup wastewater tunnel is expected to begin in January 2027. The project will create a dedicated underground network for conveying tertiary-treated water between sewage treatment plants, supporting Mumbai’s long-term water sustainability efforts.
Source: Swarajya
