Plan for underground road through Juhu aerodrome

Mumbai: The BMC plans to construct a six-lane underground road connecting the relief road near Santa Cruz bus depot with the Vaikunthlal Mehta Road. The civic body has sought request for qualification from consultants across the world for a detailed plan.
One major reason for this underpass is that the Airports Authority of India (AAI) wants to have minimal traffic along the Juhu Tara Road as it distracts pilots taking off from Juhu. The Juhu airport is mainly used as a helibase and for smaller aircraft which are serviced there. The Bombay Flying Club also uses it to train pilots.
BMC chief engineer (roads and traffic) D S Ghorpade said, "Some time ago, the AAI, during a meeting with additional municipal commissioner R A Rajeev, told us that they had no objection to an underground road cutting through the Juhu aerodrome. It is a good option as we can't have a flyover. We have called for an RFQ for a consultant. We will soon select one, who will study the project and give us details on how to execute the plan. We have also mentioned that the area is near the sea and the water table is high.''
Most parts of the road passing through Juhu airport will be underground and have a ventilation system. Vehicles coming from S V Road and Linking Road could go up to the relief road (which ends near the BEST depot) and take the underground route.
MIAL had proposed extension of the runway of Juhu airport. The MIAL wanted to shift all operations of CRJs, ATRs and smaller aircraft to Juhu airport. MIAL wanted a tunnelled road along Juhu Tara Road. But the Union civil aviation ministry is yet to clear the proposal.
21/02/09 Yogesh Naik/Times of India

To Read the News in full at Source, Click the Headline

Categories: Airports Feb 2009