GMLR project: 183 metres of tunnel excavation completed; BMC chief Ashwini Bhide visits site

Mumbais GoregaonMulund Link Road GMLR project has made progress with the first tunnel boring machine named Tulsi completing 183 metres of excavation beneath Sanjay Gandhi National Park an official statement said on MondayThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation BMC has also completed the site acceptance test SAT for the second tunnel boring machine Vihar paving the way for excavation of the second tunnel it saidBMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide reviewed the tunnel work on Monday and directed officials to maintain construction speed while prioritising safety and qualityThe civic body also said that a 126km flyover connecting Dindoshi Court to Dadasaheb Phalke Film City has been completed under Phase 3 of the projectThe twintunnel section of the GMLR project will connect Dadasaheb Phalke Film City in Goregaon East with Amar Nagar in Mulund West passing beneath Sanjay Gandhi National Park the statement saidThe project involves two parallel tunnels each around 530 km long and designed with three lanesThe first tunnel boring machine Tulsi became operational on August 17 2026 Since then it has completed 183 metres of excavation at an average rate of 55 metres per day according to the BMCConstruction of 87 permanent ring segments which form an important part of the tunnel structure has also been completed In addition six temporary ring segments have been installedSecond tunnel boring machine clears site acceptance testThe second tunnel boring machine Vihar has completed its site acceptance test The technical tests were carried out to check whether the machine met the prescribed requirementsAccording to the BMC the necessary procedures for beginning excavation of the second tunnel are nearing completionThe two machines will be used to construct the parallel tunnels beneath the national park forming a key part of the eastwest road link between Goregaon and MulundBMC chief stresses speed safety and qualityDuring her site visit Bhide reviewed the excavation process project progress machinery performance construction quality and safety arrangementsShe directed officials to take the necessary steps to prevent delays and ensure that the project is completed within the stipulated timeframeThe commissioner also called for regular reviews of construction progress technical requirements machinery and staffing Officials were instructed to provide additional workers and technical personnel wherever requiredGiven the technically challenging nature of tunnel excavation Bhide stressed that the safety of workers and engineers must remain a priority She directed officials to ensure compliance with safety standards provide the necessary protective equipment and implement preventive measures against potential hazardsShe also called for proper transportation and disposal of excavated material known as muck and cleanliness at the project site and its surroundings126km flyover to Film City completedSeparately the BMC has completed a 126km flyover connecting Dindoshi Court to Dadasaheb Phalke Film City in Goregaon under Phase 3 of the GMLR projectBhide inspected the flyover on Monday morning and reviewed the progress of the associated worksThe flyover has three lanes in each direction and begins at Dindoshi Court before descending near Dadasaheb Phalke Film CityIt was constructed using precast reinforced concrete segmental box girders supported by a singlepier structureOnce the wider GMLR project is operational the corridor is expected to improve eastwest connectivity between Mumbais eastern and western suburbs and provide an alternative route for motorists