Mumbai's Ambitious Goregaon-Mulund Link Road Project Enters Critical Tunneling Phase
The Goregaon–Mulund Link Road (GMLR) project, one of Mumbai's most significant road infrastructure initiatives, is poised to reach a major milestone in March. Civic officials have announced that the lowering of massive tunnel boring machines (TBMs) into the launching shaft will commence next month, marking a crucial step in this ambitious endeavor designed to connect the city's eastern and western suburbs.
Early Traffic Relief with Upcoming Flyover Completion
Even as tunneling preparations accelerate, motorists can expect early relief from traffic congestion. A 1.3-kilometer flyover stretching from near Dindoshi court in Goregaon East up to Ratnagiri Hotel Junction flyovers is projected to be completed and opened to traffic by May 31. This development will provide significant benefits to commuters well before the entire GMLR project reaches completion.
Flyovers are being constructed on both sides of the proposed tunnels as part of a comprehensive strategy to manage the anticipated heavy traffic flow once the east-west link becomes fully operational. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is executing this transformative project, which aims to directly connect the Western Express Highway at Goregaon with the Eastern Express Highway at Mulund.
Engineering Marvel: Twin Tunnels and Massive Launching Shaft
The GMLR project features impressive engineering components, including a 4.7-kilometer twin tunnel that will pass beneath the ecologically sensitive Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Additionally, a 1.6-kilometer box tunnel is planned through the Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari area, demonstrating the project's complexity and scale.
In preparation for the tunneling operations, a massive launching shaft has been excavated in Goregaon. This engineering feat measures approximately 200 meters in length, 50 meters in width, and 30 meters in depth, creating a substantial underground space now ready to receive the TBMs. Excavation work has been successfully completed, and installation of the specialized cradles required to lower and launch the massive machines is currently in progress.
Heavy Machinery and Mulund Infrastructure Development
The TBM lowering operation demands substantial lifting capacity, requiring two heavy-duty cranes with capacities of 800 metric tonnes and 350 metric tonnes. One crane has already arrived at the site, with the second expected later this month, ensuring all necessary equipment will be in place for the March launch.
Meanwhile, in Mulund, another important component of the project is taking shape. A 1.9-kilometer flyover between the Tansa water pipeline and Nahur railway bridge is under construction. This stretch includes a notable 120-meter-long cable-stayed bridge at Dr Hedgewar Chowk, being built at the first level below the proposed Metro Line 4, showcasing the multi-layered transportation planning for Mumbai's future.
Officials have acknowledged that current traffic diversions in this area have led to congestion, particularly due to movement through a narrow underpass. Additional Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar recently visited the work site to assess progress and address implementation challenges.
Monsoon Deadline and Traffic Management Priorities
Project authorities are prioritizing the completion of a smaller flyover on the northern side of the Tansa pipeline before the monsoon season arrives. Once opened, this infrastructure component is expected to significantly ease traffic snarls in Mulund West, providing immediate relief to residents and commuters in the area.
The GMLR project represents a comprehensive approach to Mumbai's transportation challenges, combining underground tunneling with elevated roadways to create a seamless east-west connection. As the city continues to expand and traffic volumes increase, such infrastructure developments become increasingly vital for maintaining mobility and supporting economic growth across Mumbai's suburban regions.
