High-rise plans scrutinised for twin coastal road tunnels

07 Dec 2023 CW Team

Two prime development projects on Little Gibbs Road at Malabar Hill, which were planned to be constructed above the twin coastal road tunnels, are currently under scrutiny for safety measures. This evaluation follows a tunnel collapse at Silkyara, during which 41 miners were trapped for 17 days. The coastal road department of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has requested the building proposals department to assess the safety of two high-rise projects, each with 3-4 storeys of basement.

A letter requesting a safety review has been dispatched to Aakar Architects and Consultants and Barai Architects. These two firms play the role of 'liaisoning consultants in simplifying approvals for real estate projects.'

A no-objection certificate (NOC) had been granted by the coastal road department to Aakar Architects and Consultants on June 15, 2022, for an 18-storey building with a 4-level basement. Similarly, Barai Architects received an NOC on November 2, 2018, for a 32-meter high, 7-floor building with 3 levels of basement. The redevelopment is taking place on plots where two bungalows once stood. One plot is owned by Reliance, and the other is owned by Godrej and Boyce.

The BMC's action was prompted by a complaint from citizen-activist Santosh Daundkar. He asserted, "Malabar Hill is an original tekdi (hillock). Originally, the British had built on it, but over the decades, due to development work and environmental changes, the tekdi is becoming weaker." He added, "The coastal road is Mumbai?s dream project. The two projects are being constructed over the tunnel. Heavy loads and even more digging could endanger the tunnel, and that is why I have filed a complaint."

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..