Mumbai’s ambitious Goregaon-Mulund Link Road Project (Phase 3) is set to achieve a significant milestone with the foundation-laying ceremony for the twin tunnel under Sanjay Gandhi National Park. The event, scheduled for July 13 at 5pm, will be graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Nesco Exhibition Center in Goregaon.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is spearheading the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR) project, aiming to connect the eastern and western suburbs of Mumbai via road. This 12.20-kilometer project is expected to drastically cut down travel time between the suburbs from 75 minutes to just 25 minutes. Phase 3 of the project involves constructing twin tunnels, each 4.7 kilometers long, under the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Due to security measures, citizens are encouraged to arrive at the venue two hours before the scheduled time.
These twin tunnels, part of Phase 3 of the GMLR Project, will span 4.7 kilometers in length and 45.70 meters in width, running beneath the Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Borivali. The total length of the road, inclusive of connecting roads and other components, will be 6.65 kilometers. The tunnels will be situated 20 to 160 meters below the ground and will be interconnected every 300 meters. Using tunnel boring machines (TBM) with a diameter of about 14.2 meters, the excavation process will commence.
These tunnels will feature modern lighting, ventilation systems, fire safety mechanisms, CCTV, and control rooms at both ends. Beneath the tunnels, utility conduits for stormwater drainage and potential future water supply will be installed.
The construction will ensure that the flora, fauna, and areas like Aarey, Vihar, and Tulsi lakes within the Sanjay Gandhi National Park are not disturbed. No land within the Sanjay Gandhi National Park has been acquired for this project. Furthermore, animal pathways will be constructed for the safe passage of wildlife. This project is anticipated to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 22,400 tons annually, along with saving travel time and fuel for Mumbai residents.
The total estimated cost for constructing the twin tunnels is Rs 6301.08 crore, with completion expected by October 2028. The project is currently progressing well, with total station surveys, soil testing, temporary road diversions, and preliminary alignment design underway. Rehabilitation work for displaced residents and commercial entities includes the construction of seven buildings with 23 floors each and a market building with three floors.
The GMLR Project is divided into four phases, spanning a total length of 12.20 kilometers. The entire project is estimated to cost Rs 14,000 crore. Phase 1 includes the widening of the existing flyover (ROB) near Nahur Railway Station. Phase 2 involves expanding the 30-meter-wide road to 45.70 meters. Phase 3 (A) will see the construction of flyovers and elevated rotary intersections. Phase 3 (B) will include the construction of a 1.22-kilometer-long cut-and-cover tunnel with three lanes each near Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari in Goregaon and the 4.7-kilometer twin tunnels under Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Phase 4 will involve constructing a proposed two-level flyover from Nahur to Airoli Toll Plaza, crossing the Eastern Express Highway, and building an underpass for vehicles at the junction of the Western Express Highway and GMLR.
The GMLR will become the fourth major road connecting Mumbai’s eastern and western suburbs, particularly benefiting traffic in North Mumbai. This project will create a new link road between the suburbs, significantly reducing traffic congestion. It will provide a direct connection from the western suburbs to the proposed new airport in Navi Mumbai and the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.
Vehicles traveling to the Nashik Highway will also benefit from this project. The travel distance will be reduced by approximately 8.80 kilometers compared to the Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road. The travel time between Goregaon and Mulund will decrease from 75 minutes to roughly 25 minutes, leading to significant fuel savings and improved air quality in Mumbai.
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