Just three weeks after the phase 1 inauguration of Mumbai Coastal Road, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has replaced a signboard at the entrance of its tunnel, near Nepean Sea Road. Initially, the board proudly proclaimed it as “India’s first undersea tunnel” but the updated version now terms the Coastal Road as the “largest diameter tunnel constructed using TBM technology.”
BMC’s planned strategy or social media influence?
Last month, a social media post claimed that the coastal road tunnel was located beneath Malabar Hill and followed the coastline. However, Boom Live, an online platform combating misinformation, recently stated that the tunnel neither goes under the ocean nor is it constructed beneath the water. However, BMC officials denied any connection between the change and social media criticism, asserting it as part of their planned strategy to showcase various project aspects.
🛣️The Dharmaveer Swarajya Rakshak Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Mumbai Coastal Road Project boasts several distinctive features, prominently showcased on hoardings along the coastal road. These displays highlight key aspects of the project, with a focus on the tunnel.
🛣️… pic.twitter.com/VqBW057MXT
— माझी Mumbai, आपली BMC (@mybmc) April 5, 2024
Additionally, a senior BMC officer emphasised future updates, including one about the Saccardo Ventilation System, a first in India. The tunnel, starting at Marine Drive, passes beneath Chowpatty before heading north towards Breach Candy.
