Goregaon-Mulund Link Road Project to Begin Next Month, Tunnel Boring Machine Parts Arrive from Japan

Mumbai’s ambitious Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR) project is poised to enter its critical construction phase next month, with the final components of the colossal Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) arriving from Japan. This vital east-west connector, designed to slash travel time from 75 minutes to a mere 25, represents a significant leap in the city’s urban infrastructure development. The impending start of tunnelling beneath the ecologically sensitive Sanjay Gandhi National Park underscores Mumbai’s commitment to sustainable mobility solutions and enhancing the liveability of its bustling metropolitan area.

The GMLR project, a flagship initiative by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), is one of the widest road projects undertaken in the city, directly linking Goregaon in the western suburbs to Mulund in the eastern suburbs. A key highlight of this multi-phase undertaking, which has an estimated total cost of ₹14,000 crore, is the construction of two 6.65-kilometre long tunnels. These twin tunnels will originate at Film City in Goregaon and emerge near Amar Junction in Mulund, promising seamless connectivity across the city’s geographical divide.

The excavation of these twin tunnels, each designed to be approximately 14.5 metres wide, will be executed by two state-of-the-art Tunnel Boring Machines. The arrival of these specialised TBM components is a crucial milestone. Out of the 77 trailers carrying these massive parts from Japan, 54 have already reached Mumbai, with the remaining 23 expected to arrive by August 15. Following the complete delivery, engineers will embark on a four-month assembly process for the first TBM at a dedicated launch shaft near Film City, signalling the imminent start of the underground boring operations.

The decision to construct tunnels beneath the Sanjay Gandhi National Park is a testament to the project’s commitment to environmental stewardship. This approach minimises surface disruption to the park’s challenging terrain, which encompasses hillocks, dense forest areas, and farmlands. By opting for a subterranean route, the project significantly reduces its ecological footprint, aligning with the city’s broader agenda of fostering zero-net carbon and eco-friendly urban development. This method ensures that vital green spaces are preserved while addressing critical transportation needs.

While the TBM assembly progresses, preparatory works, including piling and shaft preparation, are actively underway. The plan envisions the two TBMs boring the twin tunnels in parallel, optimising the construction timeline. This systematic and technologically advanced approach is crucial for a project of this scale and complexity, particularly given its passage through a geologically intricate and environmentally sensitive zone.

Ultimately, the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road is more than just a new road; it is a strategic investment in Mumbai’s future urban fabric. By significantly reducing commute times, it stands to alleviate traffic congestion, lower vehicular emissions, and improve air quality, contributing to a healthier urban environment. Enhanced east-west connectivity will also foster greater economic integration and provide more equitable access to opportunities across the city for all residents, irrespective of gender or socio-economic background, thereby reinforcing Mumbai’s trajectory towards becoming a truly sustainable and inclusive metropolis.

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Goregaon-Mulund Link Road Project to Begin Next Month, Tunnel Boring Machine Parts Arrive from Japan