Seepage detected in Mumbai's undersea tunnel just 2 months after opening

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, however, said the water was seeping through the pre-determined expansion joints and the tunnel was safe

Leakage was seen in the country's first undersea tunnel, Mumbai Coastal Road, officially named Dharmveer Swarajya Rakshak Chatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Marg. 

The seepage became apparent on Sunday morning, and videos of it have since been widely shared on social media, triggering safety concerns ahead of the monsoon. 

Following the complaints of leakage in the Mumbai Coastal Road's south-bound tunnel, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, on Tuesday, visited the site. He said to the reporters that leakage was from the expansion joints and is being addressed on priority.

"I immediately called the commissioner. There is leakage at two-three places." He assured that experts have been consulted and stated, "There is no threat to the original structure. It will be filled using specific technology, and we will find a permanent solution. Passengers will not face any problems. There will be no water here during the rainy season," said Shinde.

CM Shinde aded that he has also suggested polymer grouting on all 25 joints on each side of the tunnel to avoid water seepage even during monsoon.

Built by Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the tunnel has been in use for less than three months.

The twin tunnels, with a diameter of 12.19 metres, run 17 to 20 metres below sea level, though only one side is currently open.

On March 12, one side of the coastal road was opened to the public. CM Shinde, on Tuesday, said the second phase of the coastal road between Worli and Marine Drive will be opened by June 10.