The recently inaugurated south-bound coastal road tunnel in Mumbai has hit a roadblock, failing to offer seamless mobile connectivity to motorists traveling from Breach Candy to Marine Drive. The city’s telecom department has raised concerns about this deficiency, highlighting the inability of commuters to access emergency services during the 3.5km journey.
Telecom officials have brought to light the absence of mobile connectivity inside the tunnel, hampering commuters’ ability to stay connected during their brief 5-10 minute transit. The unavailability of emergency services along this stretch poses potential risks to motorists, necessitating urgent attention.
Efforts are underway to rectify this issue, with the installation of antennas inside the tunnel already underway. Project authorities 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 missive to the BMC, the telecom department underscored the critical nature of the situation, urging collaboration with telecom service providers and infrastructure entities licensed by the Department of Telecommunication (DoT) to guarantee uninterrupted connectivity in all infrastructure ventures. The department pressed for expeditious approval for the deployment of indoor building solutions and BTS antenna systems in the tunnel to alleviate connectivity woes.
In response to queries, a senior official associated with the coastal road project affirmed that steps are being taken to tackle the connectivity challenge. A letter of intent has been issued for the installation of booster antennas in the tunnel, with completion anticipated within the next 15 days. These antennas, strategically positioned in cross-passages, are poised to enhance connectivity and generate revenue for the BMC.
Despite encountering these hurdles, progress continues on the Mumbai Coastal Road project, with 87% of the work already accomplished. The project remains on track for full completion by June, offering a crucial transportation link for the city’s populace.
