Advertisement
When should a housing society in Mumbai start considering re...
From GST on JDAs to SEBI’s REIT reclassification and the S...
Stay ahead in the world of real estate with our daily podcas...
Stay ahead in the world of real estate with our daily podcas...
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) is working on a major coastal road project involving two tunnels. Due to delays, L&T has requested an additional 181 days, extending the deadline to 30 September, to complete the remaining work. While both tunnels are operational, L&T requires extra time to finalise tasks such as integrating mechanical and electrical systems, installing tetrapods, and site clearance. The extension request cites challenges such as early partial commissioning, operational traffic, and various disruptions, including weather and utility issues. The BMC reports that 91% of the work is completed, raising concerns about a potentially rushed inauguration.
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) is working on a major coastal road project, which includes the construction of two tunnels. The total cost of the project is INR 13,983.8 crore, with INR 9,383.7 crore allocated for the construction and completion of the remaining work. The original schedule for completing the entire project was disrupted due to various issues, leading to multiple extensions of the deadline. Advertisement
The north-bound section of the coastal road opened to motorists on 10 June, extending up to Haji Ali. This section was further extended to Worli on 11 July. Currently, the north-bound section operates from Monday to Friday, from 7 am to 11 pm, with entry and exit points at Breach Candy and Haji Ali. The south-bound carriageway was inaugurated earlier on 11 March. The south-bound section is open every day, except for closures at Bindumadhav Thackeray Chowk on Saturdays and Sundays.
Reclamation work for the project began in December 2018. In January 2021, a tunnel boring machine was lowered at Priyadarshini Park. By January 2022, boring was completed for the first tunnel. Boring work for the second tunnel started in March 2022 from Girgaum Chowpatty and was completed by May 2023. Both tunnels are now operational, but L&T has requested an additional 181 days to complete the remaining work. The revised deadline for the completion of integration and other tasks is 30 September. The main remaining tasks for the project involve several critical activities, including integrating mechanical and electrical systems, installing tetrapods, and clearing the site.
In a letter to the coastal road project manager dated 22 July, L&T requested an extension without penalty, citing several reasons for the delay. Key reasons included the early partial commissioning of Stage 1 of the project. The letter also mentioned other issues such as operational traffic in the right-hand tunnel, a lack of heavy vehicles, monsoon rains from July to September last year, traffic diversions, complaints from local authorities and residents, utility disruptions, a strike by the All India Motor Transport Congress, and quarry restrictions.
A BMC official stated that although the contractor was given until 2 April to complete the project, resources were redirected to meet the 11 March deadline for the first phase of the project. This phase, stretching from Worli to Marine Drive, was inaugurated just before the Lok Sabha election's model code of conduct began.
The coastal road project by L&T has experienced multiple delays and deadline extensions, with current completion estimated for 30 September 2024. While 91% of the work is reported as complete, challenges such as operational disruptions and adverse weather have hindered progress. Concerns have been raised about the possibility of political pressure to prematurely inaugurate parts of the project ahead of elections. It is essential for stakeholders to prioritise the thorough and safe completion of all project components rather than rushing to meet deadlines.
5th Jun, 2025
25th May, 2023
11th May, 2023
27th Apr, 2023
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
