Excavation for Mumbai’s Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR) twin tunnels beneath Sanjay Gandhi National Park has progressed by 183 metres since work began in August 2026. Difficult underground rock formations have slowed the pace of construction on this major east-west connectivity project.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is executing the tunnel works, which form a crucial part of the road link designed to improve travel between Mumbai’s western and eastern suburbs.
Challenging Geological Conditions Affect Progress
The first tunnel boring machine, named Tulsi, began digging on August 17, 2026. It is working beneath Sanjay Gandhi National Park, where varying rock conditions pose engineering challenges and require careful excavation.
The project involves two tunnels, each approximately 5.3 km long, connecting Dadasaheb Phalke Film City in Goregaon East with Amar Nagar in Mulund West. Each tunnel is planned to accommodate three traffic lanes, offering a direct route across the city.
During construction, the boring machine cuts through the rock while precast concrete segments are installed to reinforce the tunnel walls. Progress depends on geological conditions, machinery performance and the time needed to fit the structural lining.
Reports state that 87 permanent tunnel rings and six temporary rings have been installed so far. The construction pace remains significant for the project’s overall timeline, although no revised completion date has been announced in the reported updates.
Second Tunnel Machine Nears Deployment
The second tunnel boring machine, Vihar, has completed its site acceptance test. It is expected to begin excavation by the end of October, allowing work on both tunnels to advance simultaneously.
BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide visited the site on October 19 to assess construction progress and technical arrangements. She instructed officials to maintain momentum while adhering to safety and quality requirements.
Surface Infrastructure Also Advances
Progress has also been recorded on the surface portion of the project. The 1.26-km flyover linking Dindoshi Court with Dadasaheb Phalke Film City has reportedly been completed under Phase 3 of the GMLR project.
Once operational, the GMLR is expected to strengthen east-west connectivity and reduce pressure on existing roads. However, excavation progress through challenging rock remains a key factor in advancing the underground section.
Source: Prop News Time
