Mumbai: Goregaon-Mulund Link Road Nears Completion, Set To Cut Travel Time To 25 Minutes

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the third phase of the ambitious Goregaon Mulund Link Road (GMLR) project on July 13, he emphasised the connection between improved infrastructure and economic growth. "Zyada se zyada connectivity, utna hi tez vikas" (the more the connectivity, the faster the development), he said, highlighting the significance of the GMLR project. This project is set to become a link between the Western Express Highway (WEH) at Goregaon and the Eastern Express Highway (EEH) at Mulund, according to Hindustan Times.

Project Overview And Benefits

The GMLR project, envisioned in four phases, covers a 12.20-kilometre road that includes two tunnels under the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP). Upon completion, it is expected to significantly decongest the suburban road network, reducing travel time from the current 90 minutes to just 25 minutes. The project, estimated to cost Rs 14,000 crore, is scheduled to open to the public in November 2028.

Delays And Challenges

The project began in 2016-17 with the appointment of a consultant to prepare a detailed project report (DPR). However, it has faced numerous delays. A strata verification study to build a tunnel under the SGNP took nearly two years, concluding in 2018.

Subsequently, permissions and no objection certificates were required from the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, among other authorities. The project encountered further delays in 2020 due to the pandemic, with the tendering process commencing only after receiving forest clearance in December 2022.

Key Features

Once completed, the GMLR will be the only east-west connector in the city, as the existing Jogeshwari Vikhroli Link Road (JVLR) bypasses the 19-km long SGNP. Officials have stated that no land acquisition is necessary for the project since it is entirely underground. The project includes two tunnels, costing Rs 6,301.08 crore, and a dedicated cattle path covered with polycarbonate material.

Environmental Protection Measures

"The proposed tunnels will protect the environment without harming SGNP, Aarey, and the Vihar and Tulsi lakes, as advanced environment and disaster management plans will be implemented," said a civic official from the bridges department.

The tunnels, which will be excavated using a tunnel boring machine with a diameter of approximately 14.2 metres, will be equipped with lighting, ventilation, fire protection, and CCTV surveillance, as well as control rooms at both ends. "Utility provisions within the tunnels will include channels for rainwater management and potential future water supply needs," the official added.

Environmental And Social Impact

The project is expected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 22,400 tonnes annually. Meanwhile, the BMC has submitted a proposal to the tree authority to evaluate around 1,000 trees, which will either be cut down or transplanted. Currently, work is underway on the preliminary design, station surveys, soil investigation, and temporary road diversions.

Accommodation For Affected Residents

"Seven ground plus 23-storey residential buildings and a ground plus three-storey market building are being constructed to accommodate project-affected people, including residents and businesses," the official said.

The GMLR project promises to be a transformative infrastructure development for Mumbai, facilitating faster commutes and fostering economic growth while aiming to balance environmental considerations.