The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is reshaping the travel landscape with its groundbreaking twin tunnels project on the Mumbai-Pune-Bengaluru highway, aimed at significantly reducing travel time and enhancing road safety. As of now, 60% of the project is completed, marking a milestone in the transformation of the Khambatki Ghat route.
Eradicating Travel Woes: The Vision Behind the Twin Tunnels
The twin tunnel initiative is poised to revolutionize the way people commute between Pune, Satara, Mahabaleshwar, and Bengaluru. An anonymous NHAI official from Pune highlighted the current challenges on the existing Ghat route, including sharp curves prone to accidents. The twin tunnel project, featuring a 6-lane road along the Khambatki Ghat route, is designed to eliminate these issues and pave the way for a seamless and time-efficient travel experience.
Speaking with the NHAI official stated, “The travel time will be reduced by 15 to 20 minutes on both sides of the road, traffic problems will be eliminated, and pollution will be reduced.” With around 60% of the work already completed, the entire project is scheduled for completion by June 2024.
Key Insights into the Twin Tunnels Project: A Game-Changer in Infrastructure
Here are some essential details about the NHAI’s twin tunnels project:
- Cost and Length: The project’s total cost is Rs 926 crore, covering a length of 6.46 km.
- Commencement Date: The project commenced on February 28, 2019.
- Tunnel Structure: Each tunnel features three lanes, each with a 10.05 m wide carriageway and a 2 m wide paved shoulder in one direction.
- Safety Measures: Crash barriers, footpaths on both sides, and drainage systems under footpaths are incorporated to ensure safety and functionality.
- Dimensions: The inner width of the tunnel is 16.16 m, with a maximum height of 9.31 meters and a minimum height of 5.5 meters. A concrete carriageway is proposed.
- Length and Connectivity: The twin tunnels span 1148 meters, connected at intervals of 500 meters. The width of the connecting tunnels is 8.5 meters, with a vertical height of 6.74 meters.
- Ventilation and Lighting: A ventilation system with jet fans on the tunnel roof and LED-type lamps for enhanced visibility are integral components of the project.
- Completion Timeline: With 60% of the project work already accomplished, the NHAI aims to finalize the entire project by the end of June 2024.
NHAI’s twin tunnels project emerges as a beacon of progress, promising to redefine travel on the Mumbai-Pune-Bengaluru highway. With a commitment to safety, reduced travel times, and a futuristic approach to infrastructure, these tunnels are set to become a symbol of India’s strides in efficient transportation. As the project nears completion, anticipation builds for a future where highway travel is not just a necessity but a seamless and enjoyable experience.
