The Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR) project has reached another major construction milestone, with the second tunnel boring machine (TBM) beginning excavation beneath Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP). Both machines are now operational, accelerating work on the twin underground tunnels planned under Phase 3(B).
The first TBM, named ‘Tulsi’, has already excavated more than 270 metres since beginning operations on August 17, 2026. The second machine, ‘Vihar’, commenced tunnelling on November 7 after successfully completing its Site Acceptance Test (SAT).
The 12.20-km GMLR is being developed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in four phases to establish a faster connection between the eastern and western suburbs. Under Phase 3(B), two parallel tunnels, each designed with three traffic lanes, are being constructed using advanced TBM technology.
The underground stretch will extend approximately 5.34 km beneath SGNP, connecting Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari in Goregaon East with Amar Nagar in Mulund West.
Both machines use Single Shield Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) technology, which regulates soil pressure at the excavation face to maintain ground stability and ensure controlled tunnelling.
The second machine, ‘Vihar’, has a cutter head measuring 14.49 metres in diameter and an overall length of 83 metres. Its configuration includes a 22-metre shield section and a 61-metre backup gantry system arranged across three levels.
The deployment of the second TBM is expected to improve construction progress as work advances simultaneously on both tunnels. The technology is particularly important for maintaining safe excavation conditions beneath the environmentally sensitive national park.
The entire GMLR project is scheduled for completion by February 2029. Once operational, the corridor is expected to provide an alternative east-west route, reduce travel difficulties between Goregaon and Mulund and improve connectivity across Mumbai’s suburban network.
Source: Mumbai Live
