Mumbai’s expanding network of underground transport infrastructure has brought renewed focus on tunnel safety measures after a recent fire incident inside the Coastal Road tunnel. With several major tunnel projects now operational or nearing completion, authorities have installed multiple layers of monitoring, firefighting and evacuation systems to handle emergencies.
From the underground Metro Line 3 corridor to the Samruddhi Mahamarg’s Igatpuri tunnel and the Mumbai-Pune Expressway’s Missing Link project, advanced safety mechanisms have been incorporated to protect commuters and ensure quick response during accidents, fires or technical failures.
Metro Line 3 equipped with advanced emergency systems
Mumbai Metro Line 3, also known as the Aqua Line, has several safety features designed specifically for underground operations. The corridor includes platform screen doors to prevent accidental entry onto tracks, automatic fire detection and alarm systems, sprinklers, smoke extraction systems and tunnel ventilation mechanisms.
The metro network is also equipped with fire-resistant cables, dedicated fire lifts, CCTV surveillance with round-the-clock monitoring, first-aid facilities, emergency hospital connections and trained disaster response teams.
In case a train stops inside a tunnel, the train operator informs passengers through the public announcement system. Emergency doors at the front or rear of the train are opened, ramps are deployed and commuters are guided safely towards the nearest station by metro staff.
The system is supported by dual power backup arrangements using three independent power sources to ensure uninterrupted functioning of lighting, lifts, escalators and fire safety equipment.
Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link focuses on real-time monitoring
The upcoming Missing Link project on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway includes multiple safety systems to manage emergencies across its tunnels.
The infrastructure includes continuous CCTV surveillance, Intelligent Traffic Management Systems (ITMS), emergency call boxes, automatic fire detection and suppression systems, dedicated evacuation passages, ambulances, fire engines, highway patrol vehicles and recovery cranes.
A dedicated emergency helpline has also been provided for motorists.
Igatpuri tunnel adopts specialised firefighting technology
The twin tunnels on the Samruddhi Mahamarg at Igatpuri have been designed with evacuation and firefighting infrastructure. The tunnels feature cross passages every 300 metres, with 26 evacuation connections between the twin tunnels.
Additional safety provisions include lay-bys at regular intervals for breakdown vehicles and a high-pressure water mist firefighting system, considered among the first such systems used in an Indian tunnel project.
Safety guidelines for commuters
Authorities advise commuters to remain calm during emergencies and follow official instructions. Passengers should avoid opening vehicle or train doors unless directed, use designated evacuation routes, leave belongings behind during evacuation and avoid entering other tunnels or lanes without guidance.
Emergency services should be contacted only when it is safe to do so. As Mumbai continues expanding its underground transport network, these safety systems are expected to play a crucial role in ensuring secure and efficient mobility across the city.
Source: Mid-day
