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Tunnel Excavation Speeds Up for Goregaon Mulund Breakthrough

Soniya Gupta

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Tunnel

The Goregaon-Mulund Tunnel Project in Mumbai features a launching shaft of 200 meters in length, 50 meters in width, and 35 meters in depth, serving as the entry point for Boring Machines (TBMs). The first TBM is ready, with tunnelling set to start in August 2026, while the second TBM will arrive by December 2025, completing assembly by October 2026. This project emphasizes advanced engineering and sustainability in urban infrastructure development The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has accelerated the pace of work on the much-awaited Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR) tunnel, marking a major milestone in the city’s infrastructure journey.

With excavation activities progressing rapidly, this mega project one of Mumbai’s most ambitious urban infrastructure developments is poised to transform the way Mumbaikars commute between the eastern and western suburbs. Once complete, the 12.2 km GMLR project will drastically reduce travel time between Goregaon and Mulund from over 90 minutes to just 20 minutes, redefining urban mobility and easing congestion on arterial routes like the Western Express Highway and the Eastern Express Highway The Goregaon-Mulund Link Road project, a long-standing demand of Mumbaikars, aims to create a direct underground corridor between.

The western suburb of Goregaon and the eastern suburb of Mulund. The core of the project features twin tunnels each around 4.7 km long being built beneath the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP). This ambitious design minimizes environmental disruption while ensuring smooth (Road) east-west connectivity. The project is estimated to cost around ₹6,300 crore and is being executed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) with advanced tunneling technology, including Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) sourced from China and Germany The GMLR tunnel’s construction is divided into multiple phases, with excavation being the most critical component.

Excavation Milestones Fast-Tracking Progress Beneath the City

The progress achieved so far reflects the efficiency of coordination among the BMC, contractors, and environmental experts. The use of state-of-the-art tunneling techniques has accelerated the pace of work, ensuring that the city moves closer to witnessing its next big infrastructure breakthrough. As of late 2025, the excavation of the Goregaon-Mulund tunnel has gained significant momentum. TBMs have been deployed simultaneously from both the western (Goregaon) and eastern (Mulund) ends to ensure balanced progress. Each TBM, weighing around 2,500 tonnes, is capable of cutting through complex geological strata beneath.

SGNP with precision and minimal vibration impact According to officials from the BMC and MMRDA, excavation progress is now averaging over 15 to 20 meters per day per TBM, thanks to continuous monitoring and optimization of boring pressure. The east-west tunneling beneath SGNP presents unique geological challenges due to varying rock density, groundwater pressure, and ecological restrictions. However, a combination of advanced mapping and automated safety systems has mitigated risks effectively This speed-up is attributed to the timely arrival of equipment, skilled engineering supervision, and round-the-clock operations under strict environmental protocols.

Environmental Considerations and Green Construction Practices

The acceleration in excavation also aligns with Mumbai’s broader coastal and tunnel network integration, linking projects like the Mumbai Coastal Road, Versova-Bandra Sea Link, and Thane-Borivali tunnel, thereby creating a multi-dimensional urban transport grid. Given that the GMLR passes under the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, one of Asia’s most biologically diverse urban forests, the project has undergone rigorous environmental scrutiny. To minimize ecological impact, the BMC adopted a “no surface disturbance” tunnelling method using TBMs deep below the park’s ecosystem. Continuous air quality and vibration monitoring systems are in place to.

Ensure wildlife remains unaffected Water seepage and geological shifts are being addressed through ground freezing and grouting technologies, which strengthen linings (MMRC) and prevent leaks. The muck generated from excavation is being reused in eco-friendly ways, including backfilling, creating embankments, and road strengthening in other parts of the city. This sustainable approach.

Q1. What is the current status of the Goregaon-Mulund tunnel?
Excavation work has reached an advanced stage, with tunnelling progressing from both ends for a breakthrough expected soon.

Q2. Who is executing the tunnel project?
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) is the main contractor responsible for construction under BMC’s supervision.

Q3. How will the GMLR tunnel benefit commuters?
It will reduce travel time between Goregaon and Mulund from 70 minutes to around 15 minutes, improving connectivity and reducing congestion.

Q4. Is the environmentally safe?
Yes, the project follows NGT guidelines, using eco-friendly methods to protect the Sanjay Gandhi National Park ecosystem.

Q5. When will the Goregaon-Mulund tunnel be completed?
The breakthrough is expected soon, with full completion targeted within the next two years, subject to on-site progress.