PM Modi performs bhoomi pujan for Thane-Borivali Double Tunnel on Saturday, 13 July
PM Modi performs bhoomi pujan for Thane-Borivali Double Tunnel on Saturday, 13 July
PM Modi on his visit to Mumbai on Saturday, 13 July, performed the traditional bhoomi poojan for the Thane-Borivali twin tunnel project.
Notedly, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has undertaken the Thane-Borivali double tunnel (underground) project to reach Thane from Borivali in mere 20 minutes. However, after the planning of the project, till the actual work started, there has been a huge increase in the cost. Now this project of around 11 thousand crore rupees has directly escalated to Rupees Eighteen Thousand crore.
To bring the travel to minimal distance between Thane and Borivali, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) planned the Thane-Borivali twin tunnel project. But for some reason this project remained on paper. Considering the need, the project, has been transferred from MSRDC to MMRDA.
After that, MMRDA prepared the plan and took necessary approvals and executed the tender process. The contract has been finalised. From the time the project was assigned to MMRDA to the actual commencement of the project, the cost of the project has enhanced significantly.
As per MSRDC’s plan, the cost of the project was INR 11,235.43 crore. It worked up to INR 16,600.40 crore in 2023 thus increasing the expenditure by INR 5,000 crores. As of now the tender process has been completed and work has started, with the project cost increasing to 18 thousand crore rupees.
As per MMRDA, the cost has enhanced due to many changes in the original design of the twin tunnel. MSRDC had prepared a cost balance covering only the 11.8 km long tunnel in the plan. But, meanwhile, MMRDA made many changes in the plan.
A flyover of approximately 700 metres will be constructed on Ghodbunder Road towards Thane to facilitate access to the tunnel.
And approximately 500 metres of subway will be built there, as well as 850 metres of subway towards Borivali. This has led to a huge increase in the cost of the project. Modern fire fighting system, electrical system and also ‘open road tolling’ system will be implemented in the tunnel while constructing the flyover and subway. The double tunnel will have pedestrian cross passages every 300 metres. MMRDA says that the cost of the project has also increased due to this.
Two companies, L&T and Hyderabad-based Megha Engineering Infrastructures Pvt Ltd, had submitted tenders for the twin tunnel work and Megha Engineering won in this despite being embroiled in controversy . This company is the second largest company in buying election bonds. Megha Engineering is embroiled in controversy due to the purchase of election bonds.
But, now the Thane-Borivali twin tunnel project will be launched by the same company.
News Edit K.V.Raman
