Mumbai: A forgotten 150-metre long, underground British-era bunker has been unearthed inside the sprawling Raj Bhavan complex at Malabar Hill in south Mumbai.
Around three months ago, some old-timers informed Governor CV Rao of the existence of a tunnel inside the Raj Bhavan on the shores of the Arabian Sea. He asked to get it opened.
Accordingly, on August 12, the PWD staff broke open a temporary wall that had been erected at the tunnel's entrance on the eastern side.
The revelation was surprising. Instead of what was believed to be an underground tunnel, it turned out to be a huge barrack with 13 rooms of varying sizes spread over an area of more than 5,000 square feet.
Here are the pictures tweeted by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis:
Amazing Discovery!
Hon Governor of Maharashtra discovers a very big, well built tunnel beneath Raj Bhavan in Mumbai. pic.twitter.com/EvvSzMWpCg— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) August 16, 2016
This tunnel is 150meter long 3meter wide and height is around 12 feet.
Bunker is spread over area of 5000sq ft. pic.twitter.com/U5dqkkBwm7— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) August 16, 2016
Tunnel has several spaces created on its both sides to store arms & ammunition.It also has rooms for people to live. pic.twitter.com/q0M6BBLgeG
— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) August 16, 2016
Tunnel starts from a big workshop type area and built with lots of ventilation and drainage area. pic.twitter.com/R1b9VIf7fw
— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) August 16, 2016
Experts are being called to demystify the history of tunnel.
Hon Governor has spoken to Hon President about this. pic.twitter.com/PLX3XUesSi— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) August 16, 2016
The bunker opens with a 20-feet tall gate and a ramp on the western side. There are long passages connecting small to medium room on both sides.
The bunker's rooms are named Shell Store, Gun Shell, Cartridge Store, Shell Lift, Pump and Workshop and there are scores of Lamp Recesses in the gangway.
