Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Jun 4: The Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR) project in Mumbai has moved closer to the tunnelling stage, with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) speeding up preparations for the construction of twin underground tunnels beneath the Sanjay Gandhi National Park corridor.

According to civic officials, the assembly of the first Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) at the launch shaft near Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari is expected to be completed by mid-June.

Work on assembling the second TBM is also progressing simultaneously, paving the way for excavation work to commence in the coming months.

Before tunnelling operations begin, the first machine will undergo a comprehensive Site Acceptance Test (SAT), a crucial process aimed at assessing the machine's operational readiness, safety standards and system integration.

The testing will evaluate mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, control and safety systems to ensure that the TBM is fully functional and meets all project specifications.

The progress of the project was reviewed during a site inspection conducted by Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar, who examined the status of the twin tunnel construction and associated infrastructure works.

The GMLR project is considered one of Mumbai's key infrastructure initiatives and is expected to significantly improve east-west connectivity by reducing travel time between Goregaon and Mulund while easing traffic congestion on existing routes.