The civic body will finally retrieve the tunnel boring machine (TBM) that has been stuck underground near Powai since 2019. The TBM was used for laying a water tunnel from Powai to Veravali, but the work was halted abruptly as it got stuck after boring about 2.2 km. The BMC recently issued tenders for completing the unfinished project of Ghatkopar-Powai-Veravali tunnel, which includes dismantling the stuck boring machine. Sources said around eight people showed interest in the project during the pre-bid meeting held last week.

The project for the 6.6-km tunnel was first awarded in 2012 for Rs 183 crore, and following extension it was pegged at Rs 263. Now, the BMC will have to pay about Rs 350 crore for completing the remaining 4.4 km. According to civic officials, the TBM is about 2.8 meters in diameter and less than 50 meters in length and is of German make, from Herrenknecht. It will have to be dismantled manually underground and brought to the surface in pieces, and a new TBM will have to be launched to complete the tunnel.