Mumbai Coastal Road – BMC Releases Fresh Tunnel Safety Advisory After Vehicle Fire
Mumbai Coastal Road –A day after a vehicle caught fire inside the northbound tunnel of Mumbai’s Coastal Road, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) issued a detailed advisory outlining the safety measures motorists should follow if they encounter an emergency while travelling through the tunnel. The civic authority said the instructions are aimed at helping commuters respond safely and ensuring that emergency services can operate without obstruction during any incident.
Emergency Systems Installed Throughout the Tunnel
According to the BMC, the tunnel has been designed with multiple safety features to assist drivers and passengers during unexpected situations. These include emergency telephones positioned at intervals of every 100 metres, a Public Address System for live announcements, strategically placed fire extinguishers, and emergency cross passages located every 300 metres. The civic body said these systems are intended to support a quick and organised response whenever an emergency occurs inside the tunnel.
What Drivers Should Do During an Emergency
The advisory instructs motorists to stop their vehicles in a safe location if an emergency arises. Drivers are asked to switch off the engine, leave the vehicle keys inside, and exit the vehicle only when directed or when it is safe to do so. The BMC has specifically warned motorists against attempting to make a U-turn or reversing inside the tunnel, as such actions could increase risks for other road users and interfere with emergency operations.
Motorists are also advised to use the emergency telephones installed throughout the tunnel to immediately contact the control room. These communication points allow authorities to assess the situation quickly and coordinate an appropriate response.
Public Announcements Will Guide Evacuation
Officials have urged commuters to remain calm and carefully follow instructions broadcast through the tunnel’s Public Address System. During an emergency, real-time announcements will provide guidance on whether people should stay inside their vehicles, evacuate the area, or follow any other safety instructions based on the nature of the incident.
In situations involving fire, the BMC said fire extinguishers are available inside the tunnel. However, they should only be used if the fire is small and the situation does not put personal safety at risk. If conditions become dangerous, people should prioritise evacuation instead of attempting to control the fire.
Evacuation Route and Safe Exit Procedure
The advisory explains that emergency cross passages have been built at every 300 metres to help people move safely into the adjoining tunnel if evacuation becomes necessary. Directional signs inside the tunnel indicate the nearest cross passage. These emergency doors can be opened using panic bars, allowing commuters to leave the affected section and continue towards a designated safe exit.
After crossing into the adjacent tunnel, evacuees are advised to walk along the wall on the designated side until they reach the exit point. Throughout the evacuation process, further instructions will be communicated by officials monitoring the situation from the control room.
Authorities Urge Public to Follow Official Instructions
The BMC has also advised people not to return to the site of the incident to collect personal belongings once they have evacuated. Officials stressed that personal safety should remain the highest priority during any emergency.
The advisory further states that in certain situations, motorists may be instructed through the Public Address System to remain inside their vehicles until emergency personnel resolve the situation. Once authorities confirm that conditions are safe and traffic movement can resume, announcements will direct drivers to proceed out of the tunnel in an orderly manner.
The civic body said that following these guidelines will help emergency responders manage incidents efficiently while reducing risks for everyone using the Mumbai Coastal Road tunnel.