Afcons Infrastructure has completed the 13.1 km section of India's Samruddhi Expressway between Thane and Nashik, officially called Package 14, ahead of schedule. This achievement includes constructing the nation's widest tunnels, measuring 17.6 meters in width, along the Igatpuri-Kasara Ghat route. The tunnels have modern safety features and are equipped with advanced ventilation and fire protection systems. Additionally, a 1.2 km viaduct bridge with a height of 60 meters, spanning 29 spans, was successfully constructed. The project was carried out under pandemic restrictions between March 2020 and May 2021 and despite facing significant challenges due to heavy rainfall in the region, the project has been completed ahead of schedule.
Afcons Infrastructure has achieved a significant milestone by completing the 13.1 km stretch of the Samruddhi Expressway, officially known as Package 14, three months ahead of schedule. This impressive project, which features India's widest tunnels with a remarkable width of 17.6 meters, has been handed over to the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC). The tunnels, extending over 7.78 km, pass through the challenging Igatpuri-Kasara Ghat section, known for its heavy rainfall. These structures provide a vital transport link between Thane and Nashik, connecting Vashala Budruk (Thane) and Pimpri Sadroddin in Igatpuri (Nashik).
In addition to the tunnels, Package 14 includes the construction of a viaduct bridge with remarkable dimensions. The viaduct stretches over 1.2 km and stands at a towering height of 60 meters, equivalent to 20 storeys. It comprises 35 piers and 29 spans, with the longest span measuring 98 meters. This viaduct bridge serves as a critical component of the Thane-Nashik leg of the Samruddhi Expressway.
The project utilizes the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) technology for tunnelling. These tunnels have three lanes and are equipped with advanced safety systems, including fire protection and high-pressure water mist for fire safety, a pioneering feature in India. The tunnels serve to mitigate the steep slopes of the Kasara Ghat section.
The construction of these tunnels occurred amidst the restrictions and lockdowns of the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating the team's resilience and adaptability. Notably, Igatpuri is situated in one of Maharashtra's highest rainfall zones, and the project was faced with unprecedented rainfall challenges during the monsoon season. It also had to strategically avoid close proximity to Bhavli Dam, which could have posed complex geological issues.
Sekhar Das, the project manager at Afcons Infrastructure, lauded the project's successful execution in the face of challenging conditions, highlighting the achievement of building India's widest tunnels and the state's longest road tunnel. Despite the hurdles encountered, this important infrastructure project was accomplished without any accidents.
The completion of Package 14 is a testament to the team's unwavering commitment, effective project management, and adherence to stringent safety measures. The inclusion of pioneering safety features and the successful navigation of monsoon challenges demonstrate Afcons Infrastructure's commitment to delivering world-class infrastructure projects while prioritizing safety and environmental concerns. This achievement underscores the vital role of modern infrastructure development technologies and serves as a testament to India's engineering capabilities in tackling complex and ambitious infrastructure ventures.
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