Mumbai: Components of the first tunnel boring machine (TBM) for the Mumbai Coastal Road (North) project are expected to arrive in December 2026, with the BMC planning to begin excavation of the 3.9km tunnel at Charkop after assembling the machine over the following two months.The mega project has been divided into seven packages — A, B, C, D, E, F and the Dahisar-Bhayander Link Road (DBLR). It will include double elevated roads, roads on stilts through mangrove areas, two cable-stayed bridges, four bridges, two twin tunnels of around 15m in diameter and 10 interchanges.The development comes as the BMC steps up work on the northern extension of the Coastal Road, which is expected to connect Versova with Bhayander and cut the travel time between the two locations from 90-120 minutes to around 15-20 minutes.Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar inspected the ongoing works under Packages C and D and directed officials to complete the project within the stipulated timeline while maintaining quality.Under Package C, a 3.9km northbound tunnel is being constructed between Mindspace, Malad, and Charkop Creek. Package D comprises a 3.9km southbound twin tunnel between Charkop Creek and Mindspace, Malad.At Charkop, work is currently underway to construct a shaft required for tunnel excavation. Excavation has begun on a 65m x 40m site, while piling work is in progress.The first TBM will be assembled after its components arrive in December, with assembly expected to take around two months. Once the machine is ready, excavation of the first tunnel is expected to begin.The second TBM is scheduled to be assembled in June 2027, following which excavation of the second tunnel will commence.The BMC has said the project is aimed at providing a continuous coastal connection while easing congestion in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
