21-Kilometre Water Tunnel to Quench Mumbai’s Thirst Gets Green Signal

Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has received environmental clearance for its ambitious 21-kilometre water tunnel project, aimed at improving Mumbai’s water supply. The tunnel will connect Yeovai and Kasheli in Thane to Mulund in the eastern suburbs, ensuring greater water availability and meeting future demand.

The project, estimated to cost around ₹4,500 crore, will be executed in two phases. The BMC had issued tenders in March 2024 for the 14 km Yeovai-Kasheli tunnel and 7 km Kasheli-Mulund tunnel, with the tunnel expected to be completed in the next six years.

Tunnel Details and Construction

• The Yeovai-Kasheli section is 14 km long, while the Kasheli-Mulund section spans 7 km.
• The tunnel will be constructed at a depth of 110 meters, using a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM).
• The total diameter of the tunnel will be 5.3 meters.
• The tunnel will connect the Yeovai Master Balancing Reservoir (YMBR) to Kasheli (Bhiwandi), replacing older pipelines and improving water supply to Mumbai’s eastern suburbs.

Environmental Approval
The project recently received clearance under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, making it ready for construction. The approval ensures that the project meets environmental safety standards before execution.

BMC’s Future Tunnel Plans
Apart from the Yeovai-Kasheli-Mulund project, the BMC is also planning other tunnels to strengthen Mumbai’s water distribution network. Proposed projects include tunnels linking Marol-Mahim, Malabar Hill-Cross Maidan, Veravali-Yari Road, and connections between Gundawali and Bhandup complex. Smaller tunnels are also planned to connect Powai, Veravali, and Ghatkopar, further enhancing water distribution.

With water supply coming from reservoirs in Thane and Nashik, these tunnel projects aim to modernize the city’s water infrastructure and provide a reliable supply to Mumbai’s growing population.