Nagpur: Construction of MahaMetro’s Zero Mile tunnel project hit an unexpected hurdle after excavation work damaged multiple underground BSNL optical fibre cables, temporarily disrupting telecom and broadband services recently. The connectivity was restored later through alternate lines.The incident occurred during excavation for the tunnel linking the Morris College T-point with Zero Mile Freedom Park, a key component of MahaMetro’s plan to improve traffic circulation and multimodal connectivity around the city’s iconic Zero Mile precinct.Senior MahaMetro officials said the agency had completed the mandatory utility detection and verification exercise before commencing work. During the year-long period when the project remained sub judice, multiple rounds of utility mapping were carried out and clearances were obtained from all concerned departments.However, while excavation was underway, workers encountered underground BSNL fibre cables that were not reflected in the utility records shared with the executing agency. Sources associated with the project said even BSNL officials were initially unaware of the existence of some of these underground cables. While around 600 consumers are estimated to have been impacted initially, services have now largely been restored through the temporary arrangement.Officials said nearly 32 optical fibre cables were damaged during the excavation work. A representative of BSNL told TOI that complication took place due to a miscalculation by the Mahametro. “However, we immediately started the restoration work. While heavy rains delayed us a bit, all the damaged wires have now been successfully repaired and disrupted services have been restored,” he said.The 870-metre tunnel, being constructed by MahaMetro between Manas Chowk and the Institute of Science via Freedom Park Metro Station, is a 89.67-crore project aimed at improving east-west connectivity while easing congestion around Loha Pul, the BSNL office and adjoining stretches. The tunnel will have three entry and three exit points, comprising two 5.5 m × 5.5 m box structures and one 10 m × 5.5 m box structure. Launched in October 2024, the project remained under judicial scrutiny for several months following a PIL before the Nagpur bench of the Bombay high court before construction gathered pace. The work, expected to take about a year, is currently being executed by YFC & BBG Projects.
