Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL) have emerged as the lowest bidders for the construction of the Thane-Borivali twin tunnel project in Mumbai. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) had floated tenders for the construction of the twin tunnel in March 2021.
L&T and MEIL submitted their bids on April 26, 2023. L&T quoted the lowest bid of ₹4,871 crore, while MEIL quoted ₹4,952 crore. The other bidders were Afcons Infrastructure Limited and J Kumar Infraprojects Limited, who quoted ₹5,100 crore and ₹5,202 crore, respectively.
The Thane-Borivali twin tunnel project involves the construction of two tunnels, each with a length of around 10 km, to connect the eastern and western suburbs of Mumbai. The tunnels will have a diameter of around 12 meters and will be constructed using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM).
The project is expected to reduce traffic congestion and travel time between the eastern and western suburbs of Mumbai. It will also provide an alternate route for emergency services such as ambulances and fire engines. The project is part of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) and is being funded by the World Bank.
The MMRDA plans to complete the project within five years. The construction of the tunnels is expected to take around three years, while the remaining two years will be spent on finishing work such as electrification, ventilation, and the installation of communication systems.
The Thane-Borivali twin tunnel project is one of several infrastructure projects being undertaken by the MMRDA to improve transportation in Mumbai. Other projects include the Mumbai Metro and the Mumbai Coastal Road project.
In conclusion, the selection of L&T and MEIL as the lowest bidders for the Thane-Borivali twin tunnel project is a significant milestone in the project’s progress. The project is expected to ease traffic congestion and improve transportation between the eastern and western suburbs of Mumbai. The use of the NATM method in construction is expected to ensure the durability and longevity of the tunnels. The project’s completion within five years is expected to provide a boost to Mumbai’s transportation infrastructure, which will have positive implications for the city’s economy and overall development.
