Mumbai:
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority's (MMRDA) radical plan to improve connectivity to Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) got a boost last week, as consultants appointed to study the feasibility of constructing an underground tunnel have given a positive report.
The consultant in its feasibility report has stated that the underground carriageway for vehicles can be easily constructed.
The plan to build two underpasses, which will start from opposite the Income Tax building in BKC and wind its way towards Bandra Reclamation and Kalanagar junction, will become the city's first underground intersection.
"In the feasibility report that was submitted to us, it has been mentioned that in order to reduce traffic congestion, two tunnels can be built," said MMRDA Joint Project Director Dilip Kawatkar.
According to a senior MMRDA official, now that the feasibility report has been submitted, in a fortnight's time, they will invite tenders for the Rs 400-crore project. "After which a consultant will be appointed to prepare a detailed project report," said a senior MMRDA official, on condition of anonymity.
Once the detailed project report is submitted to MMRDA by the consultant, MMRDA will invite tenders in December for awarding the contract.
The length of the tunnel starting from BKC and ending at Kalanagar junction will be approximately 1 km and that of the tunnel going towards Bandra Reclamation will be approximately 1.5 Km.
MMRDA signalling its commitment to providing 21st-century infrastructure and connections is planning to construct the underpass because the traffic situation at Kalanagar junction, during peak hours is riddled with traffic jams.
However, constructing the tunnel will not be as easy as the tunnel going towards Bandra Reclamation will pass under the Public Works Department (PWD) building on the WEH. MMRDA will also have to take the necessary environment clearances for the same as the Mithi River passes just few metres away from the proposed tunnel.
The consultant in its feasibility report has stated that the underground carriageway for vehicles can be easily constructed.
The plan to build two underpasses, which will start from opposite the Income Tax building in BKC and wind its way towards Bandra Reclamation and Kalanagar junction, will become the city's first underground intersection.
"In the feasibility report that was submitted to us, it has been mentioned that in order to reduce traffic congestion, two tunnels can be built," said MMRDA Joint Project Director Dilip Kawatkar.
According to a senior MMRDA official, now that the feasibility report has been submitted, in a fortnight's time, they will invite tenders for the Rs 400-crore project. "After which a consultant will be appointed to prepare a detailed project report," said a senior MMRDA official, on condition of anonymity.
Once the detailed project report is submitted to MMRDA by the consultant, MMRDA will invite tenders in December for awarding the contract.
The length of the tunnel starting from BKC and ending at Kalanagar junction will be approximately 1 km and that of the tunnel going towards Bandra Reclamation will be approximately 1.5 Km.
MMRDA signalling its commitment to providing 21st-century infrastructure and connections is planning to construct the underpass because the traffic situation at Kalanagar junction, during peak hours is riddled with traffic jams.
However, constructing the tunnel will not be as easy as the tunnel going towards Bandra Reclamation will pass under the Public Works Department (PWD) building on the WEH. MMRDA will also have to take the necessary environment clearances for the same as the Mithi River passes just few metres away from the proposed tunnel.
Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world
