Mumbai: Just three months after opening its doors to traffic, Mumbai’s undersea tunnel, a key component of the coastal road project, is exhibiting signs of seepage. This has raised concerns about the tunnel’s safety, particularly as the monsoon season approaches.
The twin tunnels, each 12.19 meters in diameter, run 17 to 20 meters below sea level. Only one tunnel is currently operational.
Reports of water seepage emerged on Sunday morning, accompanied by videos circulating widely on social media. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited the site and confirmed the leakage at “two-three places.” He assured the public that there is “no threat to the original structure” and that authorities are consulting experts to address the issue.
“It will be filled using specific technology and we will find a permanent solution. Passengers will not face any problems. There will be no water here during the rainy season,” Shinde added.
This incident follows a similar seepage issue in the pedestrian underpass of Haji Ali Coastal Road in April, which drew criticism towards the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). With the monsoon season around the corner, the leakage in the undersea tunnel has sparked concerns about potential safety hazards.
The coastal road project, envisioned in Mumbai’s 1967 masterplan, was inaugurated earlier this year. The 2.07 km undersea tunnel, a major engineering feat, begins near Girgaon and stretches under the Arabian Sea before ending at Breach Candy. It significantly reduces travel time between Girgaon and Worli from 45 minutes to just 10 minutes.
The second phase of the coastal road project is expected to open by June 10th. However, the recent development casts a shadow over the project’s future, raising questions about the quality of construction and the potential need for delays to ensure long-term structural integrity.
