Construction of 2 tunnels with 3 lanes each on the Kashedi Ghat to reduce mishaps, ease traffic: NHAI

The travel time to navigate Kashedi Ghat will be reduced from 40 minutes to 10 minutes as there are plans to construct two tunnels with three lanes each. This Kashedi Ghat is located on the Mumbai-Goa highway near Poladpur. The construction of the tunnel is set to begin the by May and will be undertaken by National Highway Authority of India (NHAI).

This decision was taken following a survey conducted by Housing Minister and Ratnagiri Guardian minister Ravindra Waiker last week.

The engineers from National Highways department along with appointed contractors for the construction of the tunnel were also present during the survey.

Waiker said the two tunnels will be 1.75 kilometre each with three lanes on each side. “The tunnels would pass through the hill which currently has a zig-zac route,” said an official from NHAI.

The total construction cost of the project will be at least Rs 503 crores and the work is set to begin in May.

The construction work of the tunnels and lanes will be completed by 2020. “A series of surveys would be conducted by NHAI engineers and other experts before the construction work of the tunnel,” said the official.

The ghat is prone to accident due to its zig zac routes. “We have identified several accident spots within the 34 kilometre long ghat. Once the tunnels along with the lanes are ready, commuters will have the benefit on travelling on wide roads and the roads will be straight without steep turns,” added the official.

The tunnels are set to have ample lighting and ventilation. “It will also have refuge places which can be used by commuters in case of break down of vehicles. This will also help in reducing traffic in the tunnel,” said the official. The officials would also appoint a contractor for a period of four years in order to maintain the project work.

The engineers from National Highways department along with appointed contractors for the construction of the tunnel were also present during the survey