Mumbai Coastal Road Project: India’s First Undersea Tunnel Set To Launch

India’s 1st undersea tunnel ‘Mumbai Coastal Road Project’ will connect Marine Drive to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. It is 17-20 meters below sea level.

The Mumbai Coastal Road Project (MCRP) is a significant infrastructure initiative undertaken by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in India. 

With an estimated cost of ₹12,721 crore, the project aims to connect Marine Drive to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, creating a coastal road spanning 10.58 kilometers. 

The objective of this project is the construction of India’s first undersea tunnel, which is set to open by November 2023.

The undersea tunnel consists of two twin tunnels that run approximately 17-20 meters below sea level, connecting Girgaon to Priyadarshini Park via the Arabian Sea, Girgaon Chowpatty, and Malabar Hill. 

The construction of these tunnels involved overcoming various challenges posed by complex geological strata. 

To accomplish this, a massive Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) called Mavala was employed. Manufactured by the China Railway Construction Heavy Industry Company Ltd (CRCHI), the TBM weighs over 1,700 tonnes and stands approximately 12 meters tall.

The tunnels have a diameter of 12.19 meters and feature six crosswalks, facilitating safe pedestrian and vehicular movement. 

Each tunnel consists of three 3.2-meter-wide lanes, with two lanes operational and the third reserved for emergencies or increased traffic density. 

The tunnels’ design incorporates fiberglass facades resembling the iconic Queen’s Necklace, a famous C-shaped promenade on Marine Drive. The entry and exit points are strategically located for convenient access.

Upon completion, the Mumbai Coastal Road Project is expected to have a transformative impact on commute times. 

The 45-minute journey from Girgaon to Worli during peak hours will be reduced to just 10 minutes. 

The project will alleviate traffic congestion in the area, providing a high-speed coastal road connecting Marine Drive to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link.

However, it is worth noting that the project has faced delays due to the connection between the coastal road and the Bandra-Worli sea link. 

An extended design for the space between two pillars at Worli Koliwada is currently awaiting approval. 

If approved, the project completion will be delayed by an additional six months, incurring an extra cost of Rs 650 crore.

The Mumbai Coastal Road Project holds immense potential for improving connectivity, reducing travel time, and easing traffic congestion for citizens. 

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With its innovative features, including India’s first undersea tunnel, the project represents a significant step towards enhancing transportation infrastructure in Mumbai.