Maharashtra CM Inspects Mumbai Coastal Road Tunnel, Assures Swift Repairs
Mumbai, 29th May 2024: Ekanth Shinde, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, inspected Mumbai’s coastal road tunnel following complaints of seepage. He assured that repair works to address the issue would be swiftly completed without disrupting vehicular movement. Shinde also announced the imminent opening of phase 2 of the coastal road project.
During the inspection, Shinde noted leaks in two to three expansion joints of the southbound tunnel near Marine Drive, which is part of the first phase of the coastal road. He outlined plans to address these leaks by employing polymer grouting in all expansion joints to prevent water seepage, especially during the monsoon season.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to ensuring seamless travel for motorists, Shinde emphasized that the repair work would not impede traffic flow on the coastal road.
Additionally, Shinde disclosed that the second phase of the coastal road, extending from Marine Drive to Worli, is scheduled to open to traffic by June 10.
The inspection was prompted by a viral video showing water seepage in the southbound tunnel. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) clarified that the seepage occurred through predetermined expansion joints and would be addressed through injection grouting to seal the leaks.
Meanwhile, Aaditya Thackeray, a Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, criticized the state government for delays in completing the tunnel work. He accused the incumbent Maharashtra government, led by Eknath Shinde, of corruption and inefficiency, alleging that they slowed down the project and escalated costs after coming to power.
Thackeray also claimed that the first phase of the coastal road was hastily inaugurated for political gain ahead of the elections. He vowed to investigate the delays if the MVA returns to power, insinuating misconduct by the current administration.
