TrafficInfraTech Magazine Linking People Places & Progress
Trafficinfratech’s association with Ashwini Bhide, currently the Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, began when she was the Additional Metropolitan Commissioner at the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority(MMRDA). With close to three decades of experience, predominantly in urban transport infrastructure, she is known more for her contribution to implementing Mumbai Metro lines. In an interaction with Mangala Chandran, Bhide talks about the high points and challenges in making Mumbai region the most commuter friendly.
We are focused on enhancing the commuting experience by ensuring seamless first and last-mile connectivity. Additionally, the introduction of the NCMC card will further simplify travel across multiple modes of transport. I am confident that once fully operational, this metro line will redefine the way Mumbaikars
commute, offering them a faster, more efficient, and sustainable transit option.
– Ashwini Bhide
The successful progress of the Mumbai coastal road is attributed to you. What have been the main challenges and high points; especially in technology implementation?
There were numerous challenges faced during construction of Coastal Road which include engineering, weather related, legal and social challenges.
Engineering challenges:
Reclamation: Seabed conditions are most uncertain in terms of level, marshy/mud, unsound geological condition. The type and quantity of material required like crushed rock, rock armour are not easily available in vicinity. To improve the soil bearing of marshy soil at Haji Ali of about 13 Ha was also challenging task.
Seawall: Protection works like seawall was a big challenge as it required special design, construction techniques, equipment and special experienced personnel.
Interchange: Interchange & bridges works in marine could not be possible without installation of huge temporary works like steel bridge, jetty, etc. It requires special engineering and expertise in marine works.
Tunnelling: TBM driving under lagoon area of Priyadarshini park of low cover zone, further tunnelling below 150 years old water reservoir located at Malabar Hill which was also one of the critical structures. Tunnelling partially below sea & Malabar hill along with change in geological conditions was another challenge.
Diversions: Major utility diversion along important roads like Marine Drive, Napean Sea Road & Worli sea face, without disturbing the traffic flow, was quite challenging.
Weather-related challenges: There were always challenges with weather and climate and reclamation in the Arabian Sea. The phenomenon of high and low tide, storms, surges, heavy rains, etc. allows limited time for construction activities.
Legal challenges: A major legal challenge was to deal with nine write petitions filed in the Mumbai High Court and SLPs filed in the Supreme Court of India.
Social challenges: The fishermen community at Haji Ali & Worli were partially impacted during construction. Assessing the impact on their livelihood, preparing a compensation package which was acceptable to them was a massive task.
Very remarkably, you are also holding the post of MD, Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation. With multiple lines being executed, how would you sum up the efforts to link the important areas of the Metropolitan region? Ensuring multimodal integration and micro mobility getting woven into the systems.
It is an honour to be a part of one of the most complex infrastructure projects in the country. With the commissioning of Phase 1, we have reached a significant milestone, and we are now gearing up to extend the corridor up to Acharya Atre Chowk. By June 2025, the entire stretch will be operational, transforming urban mobility in Mumbai. Our efforts are focused on creating a seamless and efficient transportation network that links key areas of the city, reducing travel time and improving the quality of life for Mumbaikars.
Micromobility solutions, such as autos, e-scooters, etc will be incorporated to offer flexible and eco-friendly short-distance travel options, complementing the metro network in near future.
Our holistic approach aims to build a sustainable and inclusive urban mobility ecosystem. By fostering collaboration and continuous innovation, we strive to achieve a world-class metro system that meets the needs of Mumbai’s diverse population.
Aqualine is closest to your heart. Would you like to share the highlights of the project? You call this project a game changer.
The Aqualine is set to transform Mumbai’s transport landscape, making it more accessible, efficient, and sustainable. It is a project that will truly benefit the city’s dynamic and diverse population.
This project is an engineering marvel. For construction of this corridor, 17 TBMs were deployed. It is for the first time in India that a project had employed 17 TBMs simultaneously. Entire tunnelling has been done in rocky strata mainly made of basalt, breccia and tuff. Various challenges faced in construction of Metro-3 include tunnelling in complicated geology and below old, dilapidated buildings around congested neighbourhood and in close vicinity of heritage buildings. Also, certain limits for vibrations have to be maintained and continuously monitored while tunnelling to ensure the safety of such buildings in vicinity of the station area surrounded by historical structures. The most daunting task was tunnelling beneath the Mithi river. However, the teams of experts and engineers have surmounted such challenges by using latest technical knowhow and engineering expertise.
Once fully operational the Aqualine is expected to reduce road traffic by approximately 35%, which translates to a decrease of about 6.65 lakh vehicles per day. This shift will save around 3.54 lakh litres of fuel daily. Additionally, the metro’s regenerative braking system is projected to generate 40% of the energy required for its operation, reducing CO2 emissions by an estimated 1 lakh tonnes per annum.
The Aqualine aims to bridge the connectivity gap in historically underserved areas, revitalizing neighbourhoods with rich heritage but limited development. By connecting these regions, the line will benefit approximately 3 million people, expanding access beyond traditional hubs like CST and Churchgate. The inclusion of four stations in the business district is expected to boost economic growth while preserving the area’s cultural legacy.
You have set an example as a stern implementer of projects, yet very much grounded while solving issues. What according to you have been your winning strategies? These might have come to the fore during land acquisition for metro rail projects or during the coastal road project.
Early and continuous engagement with all stakeholders, including local communities, government bodies, and private entities, has been crucial. This helps in building trust and minimizing resistance, especially during sensitive processes like land acquisition. Maintaining open and transparent communication channels ensures that everyone involved is well-informed about the project’s progress, challenges, and benefits. This transparency fosters cooperation and reduces misunderstandings.
Leveraging technology and innovative solutions to address challenges has been a game changer. Ensuring fair compensation and proper rehabilitation for those affected by land acquisition has been a priority. This not only complies with legal requirements but also demonstrates our commitment to social responsibility.
Being flexible and adaptive in our approach allows us to respond effectively to unforeseen challenges. This has been particularly important in complex projects like the coastal road, where environmental and technical issues often arise.
By combining these strategies, we have been able to navigate the complexities of large-scale infrastructure projects and deliver results that benefit the entire community.
Coming to a question often asked. When it comes to women’s staying power in very high positions- be it in the government or private sector- do you think we have achieved the balance?
The question of women’s staying power in high positions is indeed a significant one. While progress has been made, achieving a true balance remains a work in progress. In the government sector, there has been notable advancement. For instance, women hold a higher proportion of senior leadership roles.
There is a growing recognition of the importance of gender diversity, and many companies are actively working to foster inclusive environments. Overall, while strides have been made, there is still much to be done to achieve a balanced representation of women in high positions across both sectors. Continuous efforts to remove barriers and promote gender equality are essential for sustaining this progress.