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."

Products

06 Oct 2025

TOTO India Launches Premium G & L Showers with Sleek Faucet Range

TOTO India has launched its G Shower and L Shower series, alongside an expanded range of GT, LH, and Pull-Out lavatory faucets. The collection blends advanced technology, refined aesthetics, and everyday comfort, staying true to TOTO’s philosophy of creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional. The G Shower series delivers the 3Rs of showering: Relaxing, Refreshing, and Revitalizing. Features include the Calming Shawl spray mode, Warm Spa technology, and multiple overhead and hand-shower options across eight finishes. The L Shower complements this with easy-to-use controls sui..

Hero Future Energies Secures Funding for 120 MW Hybrid Project

Hero Future Energies (HFE), through its SPV Clean Renewable Energy Hybrid Three, has secured Rs 19.08 billion in funding from the State Bank of India (lead) and Canara Bank. The funds will be used to develop and construct HFE’s 120 MW renewable energy hybrid project at Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. The project, contracted with SJVN, integrates wind, solar, and storage technologies to deliver reliable peak power. With a 21-year repayment period, the funding ensures timely execution and the commencement of commercial operations. The financial closure demonstrates continued lender confidence in..

IOC GPS Renewables Raises Rs 8.36 billion Debt for Compressed Biogas Plants

IOC GPS Renewables Private Limited (IGRPL), a joint venture between IndianOil Corporation and GPS Renewables, has raised Rs 8.36 billion (approx. US$ 95 million) in debt financing from Indian Bank to execute nine Compressed Biogas (CBG) projects across India. The funding is the largest single-bank debt raise in the CBG sector and the first fully non-recourse financing in India for these projects. The plants—four in Haryana, three in Uttar Pradesh, one each in Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh—will each produce 15 tonnes of CBG per day using paddy straw as feedstock. All nin..