Tender launches for constuctions of Gaimukh – Fountain Hotel Tunnel in Mumbai

The proposed underground tunnel is a key component of a larger project designed to decongest a 15.5 km stretch between Gaimukh and Bhayandar. Alongside this tunnel, the project includes the construction of an elevated road from Fountain Hotel Junction to Bhayandar.

While detailed specifications of the tunnel, such as the number of lanes and internal diameter, are not yet fully disclosed, it is anticipated that the construction will involve the use of at least one mega tunnel boring machine (TBM). This modern engineering marvel will bore through the challenging terrain to create a seamless underground passage.

The entire road project received a green light with an estimated cost of Rs 20,000 crore, as approved by Maharashtra's Chief Minister during an MMRDA executive meeting earlier this month.

The tender outlines a comprehensive timeline and scope for the project:

• Contract Period: 54 months, which includes time for environmental clearances, other necessary permits, and accounting for the monsoon period. An additional 24 months are designated for the defect liability period (DLP).

• Pre-Bid Meeting: Scheduled for August 8, 2024, at 11 am.

• Bid Submission Deadline: Bids must be submitted by September 19, 2024, at 6 PM.

• Technical Bid Opening: The technical bids will be opened on September 20, 2024, at 6 PM.

• MMRDA’s Brief Scope: The project entails the design and construction of an underground road tunnel from Gaimukh to Fountain Hotel Junction on Thane Ghodbunder Road.

Ghodbunder Road is notoriously narrow, winding, and heavily trafficked, particularly by trucks during the night. This project aims to significantly improve the traffic flow and reduce congestion, making the daily commute smoother and more efficient for thousands of travelers.

Interestingly, there was a potential for MMRDA to integrate the Mumbai Metro's 9.2 km Line-10, which runs between Gaimukh and Shivaji Chowk (part of the Green Line), into the tunnel’s structure. However, this integration was not pursued, and the metro line will continue to follow its current winding roadway.

Once completed, the Gaimukh-Fountain Hotel Tunnel will connect with the upcoming 13.2 km Thane Coastal Road project, which will have its northern terminal at Gaimukh. Moreover, just north of this tunnel, a new Gaimukh – Payegaon Creek Bridge is planned to further disperse traffic and enhance connectivity to the extensive 126 km Virar-Alibaug Multi-Modal Corridor.

This new tunnel will be the third significant road tunnel in and around the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), a vital green lung of Mumbai. The other two tunnels include:

• 5.5 km Fountain Hotel Junction – Gaimukh Tunnel (MMRDA)

• 10.8 km Borivali – Thane Tunnel (MMRDA)

• 6.3 km Goregaon Mulund Link Road Tunnel (MCGM / BMC)

The initiation of the bidding process for the Gaimukh – Fountain Hotel Tunnel represents a crucial development in Mumbai's ongoing efforts to modernize its infrastructure and reduce traffic congestion. By creating this underground passage, MMRDA aims to provide a more efficient and reliable transportation route for the region. As the project progresses, it will significantly enhance connectivity, contributing to the overall growth and development of northern Mumbai.