Mumbai: New pipeline to keep Saat Rasta flood-free

At least one of the island city’s major water-logging spots – Saat Rasta near Mahalaxmi — will finally see major relief from flooding this monsoon.

At least one of the island city’s major water-logging spots – Saat Rasta near Mahalaxmi — will finally see major relief from flooding this monsoon.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) carried out extensive underground micro-tunneling work at Saat Rasta in a bid to resolve the flooding woes in the area. The tunnel passes below the railway tracks at Mahalaxmi and connects to a major nullah nearby.

“Six drains are being replaced with a huge pipeline that is 1,800mm in diameter — big enough to accommodate two trucks inside. The project was challenging technically because the pipe had to pass below the railway tracks. The work has been pending for the past three years, but is expected to be completed this week and will give relief to commuters this monsoon,” said SVR Srinivas, additional municipal commissioner, who heads the storm water drains department.

The project will help control flooding at Saat Rasta, Chinchpokli station, Currey Road station, Dr E Moses Road and low lying areas in Mahalaxmi. The BMC spent Rs20 crore on the project.

“The drains at Saat Rasta have a poor holding capacity, which always leads to water-logging in the area. The old drains in the island city need to be replaced urgently,” said Srinivas.