Mumbai’s New Coastal Road Project: Game-Changer for the City
The Mumbai Coastal Road Project utilizes GFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer) rebar in certain marine structures to enhance corrosion resistance and ensure long-term durability in the challenging saltwater environment of the Arabian Sea. While not the primary material, the government, through Transportation Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari, has endorsed GFRP rebars for their ability to withstand corrosion and ensure structural integrity, with applications in other marine projects like the Kochi International Container Transshipment Terminal.
Why GFRP is used in the Coastal Road Project
Corrosion Resistance: GFRP rebar is highly resistant to the corrosion caused by saltwater, which can degrade traditional steel reinforcement.
Durability: This resistance ensures the long-term structural integrity of marine structures in the harsh coastal environment.
Sustainability: The use of GFRP contributes to the sustainable aspects of the project, promoting greener construction practices, according to L&T Construction.
Other Key Features of the Mumbai Coastal Road Project
Purpose: The project aims to significantly reduce traffic congestion and improve connectivity across Mumbai.
Scale: It includes features like land reclamation, underwater tunnels, roadway sections on stilts, and a protective sea wall.
Sustainability & Amenities: The project incorporates green spaces, parks, and promenades, along with a Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) and park-and-ride facilities.
Engineering Innovation: Methods like the use of monopile foundations and Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) are employed to overcome engineering challenges.