A 9.23-km-long corridor connecting Coastal Road and Eastern Freeway has been cleared for building by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). The project’s contractor, Larsen & Toubro, has been selected. It is expected to cost 77.65 billion rupees ($1.05 billion). The corridor, which links the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link to Coastal Road and the Freeway, would shorten the distance between Orange Gate and Marine Drive. The project consists of several ancillary works in addition to a 6.51-km subterranean tunnel.
The 9.23-km-long corridor connecting Coastal Road and Eastern Freeway has been given the green light for building by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). The route will have a 6.51 km long subterranean tunnel. The project will be completed by Larsen & Toubro at an estimated cost of 77,65,09,66,000.
The choice was made on September 12 during a meeting of the MMRDA executive committee chaired by chief secretary Manoj Saunik. According to officials, the corridor will connect the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link to Coastal Road and the Freeway and drastically reduce travel time between Orange Gate on the Freeway and Marine Drive.
The freeway between Mankhurd and Chembur Junction was built by MMRDA. “This route makes it easier to travel to south Mumbai more quickly. However, there is frequently backed-up traffic at Orange Gate, which slows down vehicles trying to reach Mumbai Port Trust. As a result, controlling traffic at the Main Post Office square on P’Dimello Marg close to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus becomes difficult. On the west coast, the Mumbai Municipal Corporation is building Coastal Road. Mumbai does not, however, have a reliable road-based transit infrastructure that connects its east and west coasts. According to an MMRDA official, a 9.23-km-long corridor from Orange Gate to Coastal Road at Marine Drive is being developed as a solution to this problem.
According to the official, this corridor contains a 6.51-km twin-tube subterranean tunnel as well as other ancillary construction. “This project will ensure quick and easy access to Mantralaya in South Mumbai and Marine Drive from Eastern Freeway.”
According to officials, each tunnel will have an interior diameter of 11 meters, 2+2 traffic lanes, 1+1 emergency lanes, and pedestrian walkways. The tunnel on the left will cross the waterway and emerge after B D Somani Chowk. The project comprises creating access roads on both sides of the corridor, open cuts, and a viaduct for vehicular access at Orange Gate. The subterranean Metro line 3’s security has been taken into account during the planning of this project. The officials noted that the tunnel’s depth will be around 40 meters below ground level for this, assuring that it won’t block the metro line or the foundations of tall buildings.
Source- Hindustan times
Link- https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/mmrda-finalises-contractor-for-corridor-to-connect-coastal-road-with-eastern-freeway-101694630751461.html
