What Safety Instructions Has BMC Issued After Mumbai Coastal Road Tunnel Fire Incident?
After a car fire inside Mumbai’s Coastal Road tunnel triggered panic among motorists, the BMC has issued safety instructions for commuters during emergencies. The advisory asks drivers to avoid U-turns, use emergency telephones, follow tunnel signs and evacuate through cross passages instead of running towards exits. The civic body also plans new signage and mock drills.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a safety advisory for motorists using the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Mumbai Coastal Road (South) Tunnel, urging commuters to remain alert and follow emergency procedures after a car caught fire inside the tunnel on Wednesday, July 15. The civic body said the advisory is aimed at improving awareness and ensuring a quick, organised response during emergencies.
The incident triggered panic among several motorists, with some abandoning their vehicles and running towards the tunnel exit. Following the episode, the BMC said it plans to improve emergency signage and conduct mock drills to familiarise commuters and response teams with evacuation procedures. Mumbai: Car Catches Fire Inside Coastal Road Tunnel, Stretch Temporarily Closed (Videos).
BMC Issues Safety Advisory After Coastal Road Tunnel Car Fire
Mumbai Coastal Road Tunnel Fire
BMC Advises Use of Cross Passages During Emergencies
The BMC has advised motorists not to run towards the tunnel exit during emergencies and instead use the nearest cross passage for evacuation.
The 2.07-kilometre tunnel has six cross passages located every 300 metres. Four are designed for pedestrians, while two are meant for vehicles, allowing people to move into the parallel tunnel during incidents such as fires, vehicle breakdowns or medical emergencies. Andheri West Fire: Video Shows Residents Jumping From Building As Massive Blaze Engulfs Mumbai SRA Complex.
The civic body said additional reflective boards will be installed above cross-passage doors to make them easier to locate. These boards will provide instructions in three languages on how to open emergency doors and will include emergency contact numbers.
What Motorists Should Do During a Tunnel Emergency
The BMC has issued the following instructions for commuters:
- Safely stop the vehicle and switch off the engine immediately.
- Leave the ignition key inside the vehicle and exit without delay.
- Do not attempt a U-turn or reverse inside the tunnel, as this can block emergency operations.
- Use emergency telephones installed inside the tunnel to contact the Control Room.
- Stay calm and follow announcements made through the Public Address System.
- Use fire extinguishers only if it is safe to do so.
- Follow directional arrows on tunnel walls leading to the nearest cross passage.
- Open cross-passage doors using the panic bar and move into the adjacent tunnel.
- Walk along the right-hand side wall towards the exit.
- Follow instructions from the Control Room, rescue teams and emergency personnel.
The BMC has also advised commuters not to return to the incident area, attempt to collect personal belongings or obstruct rescue operations.
Emergency Lane Must Remain Clear
Officials said one of the major challenges during Wednesday's fire incident was motorists attempting to reverse vehicles or make U-turns inside the tunnel.
Each tunnel has three lanes, with the third lane reserved for emergency vehicles and rescue operations. The BMC said keeping this lane clear is essential for firefighters, ambulances and other emergency teams to reach affected areas quickly.
Tunnel Equipped With Multiple Safety Systems
The BMC said the coastal road tunnel has several safety features designed to handle emergencies, including:
- Emergency Telephone System (ETS) every 100 metres
- Cross passages every 300 metres
- Fire extinguishers throughout the tunnel
- Public Address System (PAS)
- 24x7 CCTV surveillance
- 24x7 Control Room monitoring
The tunnel is also equipped with pressurised fire hydrants, a Saccardo ventilation system to remove smoke and a linear heat detection system that alerts the Coastal Road control room when abnormal temperatures are detected.
BMC Plans Mock Drills After Fire Incident
Following the fire incident, the BMC plans to hold a joint meeting with the Mumbai Police, Traffic Police and Mumbai Fire Brigade to review the emergency response.
The civic body will also conduct mock drills involving multiple agencies to improve coordination and help both emergency responders and commuters understand evacuation procedures.
Officials said the aim is to ensure that motorists know where to seek help, how to evacuate safely and how to avoid actions that could delay emergency response.
Emergency Contact Numbers
Motorists can contact the following numbers during emergencies:
- BMC Coastal Road Tunnel Control Room (24x7): 7738989116
- Mumbai Fire Brigade: 101
The BMC has urged commuters to maintain lane discipline, follow speed limits and cooperate with emergency personnel while using the Mumbai Coastal Road Tunnel.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 16, 2026 07:04 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).