Mumbai’s Twin Tunnels: BMC Attracts Three Bids for Underground Tunnel Construction in GMLR Project 2023

Mumbai’s Twin Tunnels: BMC Attracts Three Bids for Underground Tunnel Construction in GMLR Project 2023

The BMC initially advertised the tender in October 2022. The businesses’ bid submission deadline was postponed many times.

Mumbai, the city that never sleeps, has always been bustling with infrastructural developments to boost the city’s mobility and foster its growth. The plan to construct twin tunnels under the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR) project is a significant part of this narrative.

After a considerable wait and anticipation, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has finally received three bids for constructing these underground tunnels.

The Mumbai Municipal Corporation submitted three proposals for building two underground tunnels as part of the Goregaon Mulund Link Road (GMLR) project. The proposals were accepted eight months after the civic organization issued the tender.

The BMC initially advertised the tender in October 2022. The businesses’ bid submission deadline was postponed many times. According to the officials, NCC Limited, Larsen and Toubro, and Afcons Infrastructure Limited are the three companies that have made bids, The Indian Express said. According to Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) P Velrasu, the ultimate bidder awarded the work order will be decided by the end of July. He said that the three businesses’ offers are now being considered. Additionally, Velrasu said that the bidders had already asked for a deadline extension. In addition, delays were brought on by issues with environmental approvals and authorization from the forest department.

Pipelines for water flow must be present beneath the tunnels per a new environmental clearance. Earlier, this was optional. The rework that was required due to these circumstances added to the delay. The cost of the twin tunnels has been set at Rs. 6,300 crore, while the entire GMLR project is expected to cost Rs. 8,550 crore. The tunnels will have a diameter of 13 metres and a length of 4.7 km. Between 20 and 160 metres deep, they would travel underneath Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP). They will be built with a tunnel boring machine, including modern ventilation, lighting, and electric security.

The Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR) project, envisaged by the BMC, is a colossal infrastructural project aimed at streamlining the city’s traffic woes. The project includes the construction of twin tunnels, making it one of the most ambitious projects of its kind in India.

The GMLR project has been designed to connect the Eastern and Western Express Highways, providing an effective and less congested commuting option for Mumbai’s residents. Once completed, the project is expected to significantly reduce travel time and relieve the city’s perennial traffic congestion problem.

The twin tunnels will run underneath the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), ensuring the city’s green cover remains undisturbed. These tunnels are planned to be around 4.75 km long each, making them among the longest road tunnels in India.

The tunnels, along with the associated link roads, are expected to provide an uninterrupted, seamless travel experience, drastically reducing travel time between the eastern and western parts of the city. They also promise to alleviate the load on existing infrastructure, further contributing to Mumbai’s efficient management of traffic.

After a few months of soliciting interest, the BMC has finally received three competitive bids for constructing the twin tunnels. The participating firms are Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Afcons Infrastructure Limited, and Hindustan Construction Company (HCC). Examining these companies’ technical and financial capacities has begun, and the contract is expected to be awarded soon.

Upon selection, the winning bidder will be responsible for constructing the tunnels and associated roads, installing critical safety systems, and maintaining the infrastructure for a specified period after completion.

We will ensure that this project adheres to the most stringent safety and environmental regulations. The construction process will involve state-of-the-art tunnel boring machines (TBMs) and other modern technologies, ensuring minimal impact on the surface and maximum safety for workers and residents.

The successful implementation of the GMLR project, including the construction of the twin tunnels, promises to set a new benchmark in India’s infrastructural developments. The project will enhance mobility in one of the world’s most congested cities and serve as a model for other Indian cities facing similar challenges.

The first and second of the four phases that make up the GMLR project are presently underway. These include building flyovers, developing traffic interchanges, enlarging roadways, and expanding highways. The third phase will involve building the tunnels. By the end of 2023, construction on the twin tunnels may begin.

In conclusion, receiving three bids for the construction of Mumbai’s twin tunnels marks a significant milestone in the city’s infrastructural development journey. It promises to pave the way for a more connected and efficient Mumbai, contributing to its economic growth.

Therefore, Mumbai’s Twin Tunnels project is a crucial development, a beacon of hope that signifies the city’s steady progression towards a future of better connectivity and improved urban living.