Mumbai’s Coastal Road Tunnel Faces Connectivity Hurdles, Emergency Services Affected
Mumbai Coastal Road Extends Traffic Hours, To Remain Open On Weekends Too
The newly inaugurated south-bound coastal road tunnel in Mumbai has encountered a significant setback, failing to provide seamless mobile connectivity to motorists traversing the route from Breach Candy to Marine Drive. The city’s telecom department has flagged this deficiency, emphasizing the inability of commuters to access emergency services during the 3.5km journey.
Telecom officials have alerted the BMC commissioner to the lack of mobile connectivity inside the tunnel, affecting commuters’ ability to stay connected during their short 5-10 minute transit. Emergency services, crucial for addressing any unforeseen situations, remain inaccessible along this stretch, posing potential risks to motorists.
Efforts are underway to address this issue, with the installation of antennas inside the tunnel already in progress. Project officials aim to complete this task by May 15, ensuring that commuters can seamlessly connect to mobile networks and access emergency services while traversing the tunnel.
In a letter to the BMC, the telecom department highlighted the urgency of the situation, stressing the importance of collaboration with telecom service providers and infrastructure providers licensed by the Department of Telecommunication (DoT) to ensure seamless connectivity in all infrastructure projects. The department urged swift approval for the installation of indoor building solutions and BTS antenna systems in the tunnel to mitigate connectivity challenges.
Responding to queries, a senior official of the coastal road project assured that measures are being taken to address the connectivity issue. A letter of intent has been issued for the installation of booster antennas in the tunnel, with work expected to be completed within the next 15 days. These antennas, strategically placed in cross-passages, will enhance connectivity and generate revenue for BMC.
Despite these challenges, progress continues on the Mumbai Coastal Road project, with 87% of the work already completed. The project aims for full completion by June, providing a vital transportation link for the city’s residents.
