The Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR) project is advancing . The project involves constructing twin tunnels designed to ease traffic congestion in Mumbai. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is preparing for the arrival of the largest Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) in India. This machine will be crucial for excavating the 6.65-kilometre tunnels that will run beneath the Sanjay Gandhi National Park.
Tunnel Boring Machines
The TBMs are being shipped from China. The first machine is expected to arrive in April 2025. Each TBM has a diameter of 14.5 metres. This size makes it the largest of its kind for road projects in India. The TBMs will be assembled on-site at Film City. The assembly process is anticipated to take around two months.
Preparation for TBM Operations
The BMC has initiated piling works at the Film City site. This involves creating a launching shaft for the TBMs. So far, 300 out of 700 piles have been completed. The excavation of the launching shaft will follow once the piling is finished. It is estimated that around 300,000 metric tonnes of material will be excavated. The completion of this shaft is expected to take about 12 months.
Features of the Twin Tunnels
The GMLR project aims to alleviate traffic along existing east-west corridors. The twin tunnels will span approximately 5.3 km, with an additional 1.35 km designated for approach roads and a box tunnel. The tunnels will be constructed 15 metres apart. Emergency cross passages will be installed every 300 metres.
Environmental Considerations
The project is situated in an ecologically sensitive area. The BMC has conducted an Environmental Impact Assessment and other studies to address environmental concerns. It has also secured permissions for construction, pending a final approval from the forest department.
Additional Infrastructure Developments
As part of the GMLR project, two 1,800-millimetre water pipelines will be installed within the tunnels. These pipelines will connect the Bhandup Water Treatment Plant to Goregaon, enhancing the city’s water supply network.
Current Status and Future Prospects
The GMLR project has secured most necessary approvals. The BMC is poised to begin work in the forest area once the final clearance is obtained. The completion of the project is expected to relieve up to 40% of the traffic congestion along the Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road.
Questions for UPSC:
- Examine the role of technology in modern civil engineering projects, taking the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road as an example.
- Discuss in the light of urban planning, how infrastructure projects like the GMLR can impact local ecosystems.
- Critically discuss the importance of Environmental Impact Assessments in large-scale construction projects.
- With suitable examples, analyse the challenges faced in tunnelling projects in urban environments.
Answer Hints:
1. Examine the role of technology in modern civil engineering projects, taking the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road as an example.
- Advanced machinery like the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) enhances efficiency in excavation.
- TBMs minimize surface disruption, making them ideal for urban areas like Mumbai.
- Technological innovations improve safety and precision in construction processes.
- Real-time monitoring systems can track the progress and structural integrity during tunneling.
- Use of specialized materials and methods, such as RCC segments, increases durability and reduces maintenance needs.
2. Discuss in the light of urban planning, how infrastructure projects like the GMLR can impact local ecosystems.
- Infrastructure development can lead to habitat fragmentation, affecting local wildlife and biodiversity.
- Projects in ecologically sensitive areas, like the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, require careful planning to mitigate impacts.
- Improved traffic flow can lead to reduced emissions, benefiting air quality in urban areas.
- Environmental Impact Assessments help identify potential ecological impacts early in the planning process.
- Incorporating green corridors or wildlife passages in planning can help preserve local ecosystems.
3. Critically discuss the importance of Environmental Impact Assessments in large-scale construction projects.
- EIAs assess potential environmental risks and benefits before project initiation.
- They ensure compliance with environmental regulations and standards, promoting sustainable practices.
- Stakeholder engagement during EIAs can lead to better community relations and project acceptance.
- Identifying mitigation measures early can reduce long-term environmental damage and costs.
- EIAs contribute to informed decision-making, balancing development needs with environmental protection.
4. With suitable examples, analyse the challenges faced in tunnelling projects in urban environments.
- Urban tunneling often encounters existing infrastructure, requiring careful planning and coordination.
- Ground conditions can be unpredictable, posing risks to safety and project timelines.
- Noise and vibration from tunneling can disturb residents and businesses, necessitating mitigation strategies.
- Environmental regulations can complicate project approvals, especially in sensitive areas like parks.
- Public opposition can arise due to concerns over disruption, requiring effective communication and transparency from authorities.
