Mumbai: The Mumbai coastal road, connecting Princess Street flyover and Worli sea link, will have two separate tunnels running parallel to each other for better movement of vehicles. Both the tunnels will be connected with 13 cross tunnels, which will be used in case of emergency to rescue people and vehicles.
According to civic officials, both the tunnels will be built as per the codified international standards with the use of hi-tech technology. The tunnels, running under Girgaum Chowpatty and Malabar Hill, will be 3.45 kms each and will have a life span of 120 years.
While the tunnel running under the Girgaum Chowpatty will be built 20-25 metres deep, the one going under Malabar Hill will be constructed 70-75 metres deep in the sea.
The tunnels, built with the help of tunnel boring machine, will be quake resistant and also able to sustain very high temperatures, in order to avoid damage in case of fire.
“There will be 13 cross tunnels connecting both the main tunnels running parallel to each other. They will ensure movement from one tunnel to other in case of emergency. These cross tunnels, each at 250 metres, will be 11-15 metres long each. They will be used only in emergency situations. Of the 13 cross tunnels, seven will be used to rescue vehicles, while six will be used to rescue passengers in case of emergency,” said Mohan Machiwal, chief engineer, costal road project.
In addition to this, an advanced Saccardo Nosel system will be placed near the entrance of tunnels to ensure proper ventilation. While the system will help in effective fire-fighting sprinklers, it will also be installed in the tunnels for fire fighting.
Under the Saccardo Nozzle system, machines will be placed at the entrance of both the tunnels. They will carry the air into the tunnel with great force and also discharge it at the other end. Apart from ensuring proper ventilation, this will also ensure quick discharge of vehicles’ smoke or fire smoke from the tunnels, said Mr Machiwal.
