Mumbai33 minutes ago
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- Excavation of 1000 meters of the second tunnel of the coastal road was completed
The Municipal Corporation’s ambitious Mumbai Coastal Road project, which has the slogan of ‘happy travel, breathes freely’ and contributes to pollution control while making the travel of Mumbaikars more accessible and vibrant, has recently crossed an important milestone.
Under this project, two tunnels are being dug. Excavation of the first of the two tunnels was completed in January using a huge machine called Mawla, while the 1000 meter excavation of the second tunnel was completed on July 29. The following works have also been taken up on a war footing, said Chakradhar Kandalkar, Chief Engineer of the project. The work of digging Mahabogdan and the operation of the Mavla Yantra for it was started on January 11, 2021. After that, on January 10, 2022, the excavation of the first tunnel was completed.
Now from April 1, 2022, the excavation of the second tunnel has been started. Taking this into consideration, the 1000 meter stage was completed in just 119 days. On this occasion, the engineers and employees who worked on the tunnel celebrated by cutting a cake in the shape of a machine. The digging of Mahabogadu started from Priyadarshani Park. From there it will be near Netaji Subhash Marg (Marine Drive) to Chhota Chopati near Swarajya Bhumika, which will then descend into Malabar Hill. Excavation for both these tunnels is being done at a depth of 10 meters to 70 meters below the ground.
12.19 Meter Tunnel Boring Machine: A 12.19 meter diameter tunnel boring machine is being used to dig this tunnel, which is named Mawla (Soldiers of Shivaji Maharaj). The Yantra is four stories tall and 80 meters long. The machine can rotate 2.6 times per minute. It is managed by computer. Its energy capacity is 7280 kilowatts and an average of 8 meters of tunnel is dug every day.
Soil disposal after tunneling: First, where the tunnel is to be dug, a strong spray of water mixed with bentonite is applied. After this the tunnel is excavated by the 12.19 m diameter chuck of the machine. The soil, stones etc. due to digging of tunnel are collected in the previously showered water and the mixture is dragged out by machine only. The Yantra has an independent and special system for that.
Completion of work by December end: Excavation of the second tunnel will generally be completed by December end. A treatment plant has also been set up to reuse the water thrown out by the machine. Excavated rock and pebbles are used in filling. The 10.58 km coaster road from Princes Street flyover to Worli will save 70 per cent travel time, leading to 30 per cent fuel savings, he said.
The length of the tunnel is 2.07 km
The length of both the tunnels will be 2.07 km each. Both the tunnels have a diameter of 12.19 meters each. The tunnels will be lined with concrete in a circular pattern, so that the tunnels will have an inner diameter of 11 meters each after completion of construction. Both the tunnels will be useful for side by side traffic. A total of 11 intersection tunnels will also be part of the Mahabogda connecting both the bogdas as a security and preventive measure.
