Mumbai's Goregaon-Mulund Link Road Project Hits Milestone

The Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR) project in Mumbai has reached a major milestone with the first Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) fully assembled and ready for excavation. The TBM will begin tunnelling once all technical and safety tests are completed and certified, according to Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar.

The machine has undergone integrated trials covering its mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, control, and safety systems. The 12.2-km GMLR will provide a direct east-west link between Mumbai's eastern and western suburbs, with a pair of 4.7-km-long parallel tunnels connecting Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari in Goregaon to Khindipada in Mulund.

The tunnels will have a diameter of 14.2 metres, narrowing to 13 metres beneath the Sanjay Gandhi National Park to minimise the impact on the forest, hilly terrain, and water bodies. The project will use two advanced TBMs imported from Japan, with the first TBM excavating the tunnel and the second in the final stages of assembly.

Once commissioned, both machines will simultaneously bore the twin tunnels, significantly accelerating construction. The TBM is designed to excavate safely through Mumbai's challenging basalt rock formations, featuring a 14.49-metre cutterhead and a 22-metre shield.

The GMLR is expected to transform east-west connectivity by providing a faster route from Goregaon, Kandivali, and Borivali to Mulund, Thane, and Navi Mumbai via the Eastern Express Highway and Airoli, while easing congestion on Mumbai's existing arterial roads. The project is targeted for completion by February 2029.

The GMLR project is a significant infrastructure development in Mumbai, aimed at improving connectivity and reducing traffic congestion. The project's progress is being closely monitored, and the completion of the first TBM is a major milestone in the project's timeline.

The use of advanced TBMs and technology will enable faster and safer excavation of the tunnels, reducing the impact on the environment and nearby communities. The project's completion is expected to have a significant impact on the city's traffic and transportation network, providing a faster and more efficient route for commuters.

The BMC has been working closely with contractors and stakeholders to ensure the project's timely completion. The project's progress is a testament to the city's efforts to improve its infrastructure and provide better connectivity for its residents.

In conclusion, the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road project is a significant infrastructure development in Mumbai, and the completion of the first TBM is a major milestone in the project's timeline. The project's expected completion by February 2029 will provide a faster and more efficient route for commuters, transforming east-west connectivity in the city.