Poor mobile connectivity inside Mumbai-Pune Connecting Link tunnels raises safety fears

Motorists drive through the newly opened Mumbai-Pune Connecting Link, where commuters have praised reduced travel time but raised concerns over poor mobile network connectivity inside tunnels. File Pics/Satej Shinde

Motorists using the newly opened Mumbai-Pune Connecting Link have praised the project for cutting travel time and improving driving conditions, but many have raised concerns over poor or no mobile network connectivity inside the tunnels.

The ambitious missing link project was inaugurated on May 1 by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar.

Since its opening, motorists have flocked to experience the new route, with many lauding the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) for executing what is being described as an engineering marvel. However, commuters say the lack of reliable mobile connectivity inside the tunnels could become a serious safety concern during emergencies. During a recent visit by this reporter, mobile connectivity inside the tunnel was found to be extremely weak, with signals dropping entirely at several stretches.

MotoristSpeak

Akshay Hiwale, motorist
‘The Mumbai-Pune Connecting Link is an outstanding project as it saves a lot of time and fuel, but one thing that needs to improve is that there is extremely low network connectivity in the tunnel and something needs to be done in order to solve this issue'

Adiya Shinde, motorist
‘Having network connectivity inside the tunnels is very important as during emergency situations like accidents one can call the control room or emergency services. I was unable to get any mobile network for at least 10-12 minutes while my car was passing through the tunnel. I think MSRDC authorities should look into this and do something so that motorists get non-stop connectivity inside the tunnels'

By the numbers

Distance reduced: 6 km
Travel time saved: 20-25 minutes
Number of tunnels: 2
Cable-stayed bridges: 2
Tunnel network blackout reported for: 10-12 minutes

Timeline

May 1: Mumbai-Pune Connecting Link inaugurated
Post inauguration: Surge in motorists visiting the route
Following opening: Complaints emerge over weak mobile connectivity inside tunnels

Travel time saved by tunnels

The connecting link includes two tunnels - one of them among the world's widest - along with two cable-stayed bridges. The new stretch reduces the Mumbai-Pune journey by around 6 km and cuts travel time by 20 to 25 minutes while bypassing the accident-prone Khandala-Lonavala ghat section.