Mumbai: India's first undersea tunnel, part of the Mumbai Coastal Road project, has shown signs of seepage just two months after its opening, raising significant safety concerns ahead of the monsoon season. Officially named Dharmveer Swarajya Rakshak Chatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Marg, the tunnel connects Girgaon to Breach Candy's Priyadarshini Park and runs 17 to 20 meters below sea level.

The seepage was first noticed on Sunday (May 26) morning, with videos quickly circulating on social media. This prompted an immediate response from the authorities. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited the site on Tuesday to inspect the situation and addressed the public's concerns.

CM Shinde explained that the leakage has emerged from the expansion joints of the south-bound tunnel. "I immediately called the commissioner. There is leakage at two or three places," CM Shinde said. He assured that experts had been consulted and that the issue posed no threat to the tunnel's 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," he added.

Shinde also suggested polymer grouting for all 25 joints on each side of the tunnel to prevent further seepage, especially during the monsoon. The tunnel, which has been constructed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), has been operational since March 12, 2024.

The twin tunnels, each with a diameter of 12.19 meters, have already accommodated over 700,000 vehicles. Currently, only one side of the tunnels is open to traffic. Despite the setback, Shinde announced that the second phase of the coastal road, extending from Worli to Marine Drive, will be inaugurated by June 10.

The Coastal Road project, which was part of a city masterplan developed in 1967, aims to significantly reduce travel time between Girgaon and Worli from 45 minutes to just 10 minutes. The project was inaugurated by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde along with Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar earlier this year on March 11.