BMC ducts for cables

Following MMRDA's project at BKC, civic body also plans to build underground network of ducts across the city

After MiD DAY's report yesterday about the MMRDA introducing underground ducts at Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) to transport utility cables, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) seems to be following suit.

The BMC is now planning to introduce a similar system in areas under its jurisdiction.


Following in MMRDA's footsteps, BMC too will employ duct system for easy underground repair and cable installation work to avoid digging up the roads and footpaths

MMRDA officials said that officials from the BMC's Road Department had approached them a few days back and learnt briefly about their project.

On December 3, the officials had a meeting with Standing Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) officials to discuss and seek technical guidance on the project.

"We saw the ducts at BKC and got the idea. The STAC is now examining the proposal and exploring various aspects of the project," said a BMC official on condition of anonymity.

"They also held a meeting with officials from various utility companies to discuss the issue." According to BMC officials, the project is in a crude stage right now and will need a lot of research.

"The STAC will work on the project and take into consideration aspects like design, pattern, networking and location of the ducts.

The city has a 2,500 km-long road network and thus, the project is going to be a little tricky to implement," said another official.

"The cost implications and number of utility companies will also be considered and only then a call will be taken on the issue.
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It is an expensive and technically complex project and thus, the STAC will guide us systematically."

Last month, the BMC had announced an increase in road budget from Rs 500 cr to Rs 1,000 cr. The Chairman of the STAC Committee N V Merani, however, refused to comment on the issue.

Rs 1,000 cr
BMC's current budget for roads

2,500 km
Length of the city's road network