The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is actively addressing concerns over leakage in the joints of Mumbai’s Coastal Road tunnel, with an expected completion timeline of two more weeks for comprehensive treatment. Despite the ongoing works, officials assure that traffic movement remains unaffected.
Initially prompted by complaints regarding leakage in five specific joints, BMC officials have swiftly taken action to seal these areas. Additionally, as a precautionary measure, all 30 joints in the tunnel, even those showing no signs of leakage, are being treated to prevent potential future issues. “This proactive approach involves treating dry joints to safeguard against any future leakage incidents,” stated a BMC official. The root cause of the leakage was identified as water seepage through pre-determined expansion joints. This issue has been addressed through injection grouting, effectively sealing the leaks. Expansion joints, strategically placed every 25-30 metres along the tunnel, play a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity of the large concrete sections by accommodating contraction and expansion.
The urgency to address these concerns heightened when a video surfaced in late May, depicting water ingress in the south-bound tunnel section, which had been opened to motorists in March. Subsequently, measures were expedited to ensure the tunnels’ integrity and safety. Currently, the north-bound section of the Coastal Road tunnel operates from Monday to Friday, between 7 am to 11 pm daily, featuring limited access points at Breach Candy and Haji Ali. Meanwhile, construction continues towards completing the road up to Worli, scheduled for opening next month. Additionally, partial access from the Coastal Road to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link is slated to commence around the same time. The BMC’s proactive management of the Coastal Road tunnel leakage issue underscores its commitment to ensuring infrastructure reliability amidst ongoing development projects. With these corrective measures in place, stakeholders anticipate smoother operations and enhanced public confidence as Mumbai’s Coastal Road project progresses towards completion.
