Zipping in your car from Nariman Point to New Mumbai without speed aberrations despite repair or sewage work going on can be a reality if the  BMC follows through its projects using the micro-tunnelling technology. 

Following the 26/7 deluge, the authorities plan to invest in city’s infrastructure projects using micro-tunnelling, which does not involve digging of roads.

“We have already brought micro-tunnelling to Mumbai and, in fact, after the deluge, the government is very keen on using this technology. It is beneficial. We can re-bore sewers, lay new sewers and service lines without digging roads. It is extremely beneficial in cities like Delhi and Mumbai where we have concretised roads,” said Rupen Patel, managing director of Patel Engineering.

The firm has acquired Westcon Microtunnelling, a US company that deals in micro-tunnelling technology. “We wanted to scout new technologies and adapt them to Indian conditions. We are happy that we’ve managed to Indianise the micro-tunnelling technology. Our aim was to go to foreign countries and undertake projects,” said Patel.