The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will finally reclaim the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) that has been stuck underground since 2019 in Powai. For laying a water tunnel from Powai to Veravali, they had used the TBM. However, the work was abruptly stopped as it got stuck after boring about 2.2 km.
Recently, the civic body issued tenders for completing the unfinished project of the Ghatkopar-Powai-Veravali tunnel. It also includes retrieving the TBM. In a pre-bid meeting held last, around eight people have shown interest in the project. The BMC will pay around INR 350 crore for completing the remaining 4.4 km tunnel, state reports.
It was in 2012 when the project for the 6.6-km tunnel was first awarded for INR 183 crores. After its extension, it was pegged at INR 263 crores.
The German make tunnel is about 2.8 meters in diameter, and it is less than 50 meters in length, as per the civic officials. The stuck tunnel will have to be removed manually and brought back to the surface in pieces after which they will launch a new TBM and complete the tunnel.
The municipal corporation has decided that the contractor will design and build the remaining tunnel. It is expected that the construction of the new tunnel and removal of the stuck machine will take three years.
Also read: GMLR: Construction Of Twin Tunnels Likely To Start By Next Year
Share
Tweet
