Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Denies Reports of Work on Metro 11 Green Line Project
The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRCL) has categorically denied recent media reports suggesting that construction has already begun on the highly anticipated Metro 11 Green Line project. According to MMRCL Managing Director, Ashwini Bhide, the project is still in the initial stages, and it would take some time before work on the new line can commence.
Finalizing the Detailed Project Report (DPR)
Bhide clarified that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Metro 11 is currently being finalized and approved. It is crucial to complete this report before construction work can begin. Without the approval of the government bodies, including both the Government of Maharashtra and the Government of India, the project cannot proceed. Thus, dismissing the media reports as inaccurate, Bhide emphasized that it is premature to assume that work has already started.
Understanding the Purpose of the Geotechnical Soil Investigation Tender
Concerns were raised regarding a recent tender issued for geotechnical soil investigation along the route from Anik Bus Depot to SPM Chowk. This tender caused some confusion among the public about the timeline of the Metro 11 project. Bhide clarified that the tender was solely for the purpose of preparing the DPR and was not an indication that construction had been initiated.
The geotechnical study plays a vital role in collecting essential data on the sub-soil conditions at the construction site. This information will help contractors develop a detailed design for the structures, select appropriate machinery, methods, and technologies for construction, and ultimately ensure the integrity of the infrastructure being built.
Borehole Plan for Geotechnical Study
The specifications of the tender outline the arrangement for the geotechnical study, which includes drilling boreholes at specific intervals along the twin tunnel alignment and at each station site. Boreholes with a diameter of 150 mm will be drilled every 500 meters along the route. Additionally, three additional boreholes will be drilled at each station site. The depth of these boreholes will range from 10 meters to over 20 meters, as per the consultant’s basic plan.
The purpose of this elaborate borehole plan is to gather comprehensive data on the sub-soil composition, which will help engineers and contractors understand the geotechnical aspects at every stage of construction. This crucial information, obtained through the geotechnical study, will play a vital role in shaping the project’s design and implementation, paramount to ensuring a smooth and structurally sound construction process.
Conclusion
In conclusion, despite recent media reports hinting at the initiation of construction for the Metro 11 Green Line project in Mumbai, the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRCL) has firmly denied any ongoing work. MMRCL’s Managing Director, Ashwini Bhide, clarified that the project is still in the process of finalizing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and obtaining the required approvals from the relevant government authorities.
The recent tender issued for a geotechnical soil investigation along the route serves the purpose of collecting crucial data necessary for the design and implementation of the project. The geotechnical study will assist in selecting appropriate construction methods, technologies, and machinery while minimizing potential damage to existing structures.
As the Metro 11 project progresses and moves closer to its commencement, clear communication and accurate reporting will be essential to keep the public informed of the developments surrounding this significant infrastructure project.