Mumbai: BMC Seeks To Hire Consultant For Multi-Modal Tunnel Project

In a big push to the government's ambitious initiative to decongest the surface transportation through subterranean network of tunnels, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has invited tenders for appointing a project management consultant.

The consultant will be tasked with carrying out feasibility studies and prepare a project report for tunnel connectivity to be established in the city, notes the request for qualification (RQF) issued by the BMC's bridges department.

Proposed by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in January 2023, the "multi-modal tunnel project" received approval several months ago after discussions with Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Subsequently, in October 2023, the state government formed an eight-member committee to develop the smart tunnel network aimed at enhancing connectivity in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) while considering the region’s growth over the next 30 years.

Moreover, the committee was assigned the responsibility of investigating the potential use of the smart tunnel system for emergency flood control.

While the tunnels will vary in size and length, their ultimate designs will be determined by analysing travel times, traffic studies, volume projections, and other technical factors specific to the area.

According to P Velrasu, additional municipal commissioner (projects), the municipal authority has yet to finalise the precise network and the number of tunnels included in the project.

"The specific network, number of tunnels, and design details will only be confirmed once the Detailed Project Report is prepared by the selected company," Velrasu stated, emphasising that the budget estimates will also be finalised upon completion of the detailed project report.