November 03, 2025: Work on Mumbai’s ambitious Thane–Borivali Twin Tunnel Project—set to become India’s largest and longest urban tunnel road—is progressing rapidly, according to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).
The 11.8-km twin tunnel will create a direct underground link between Thane’s Ghodbunder Road and Borivali’s Western Express Highway, dramatically cutting travel time from 60–90 minutes to just 15 minutes.
The project, which passes through the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, is being executed with minimal environmental disruption using advanced Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) for precision and eco-friendly excavation. Two high-capacity TBMs—‘Nayak’ and ‘Arjuna’—have been procured from Herrenknecht India in Chennai to carry out the task.
On-ground work has gathered momentum. The excavation of the TBM launching shaft in Thane, which began in October 2024, is nearing completion. The casting yard in Thane is already operational, while work is progressing at the Borivali yard. Meanwhile, land acquisition in Thane is nearly complete, and rehabilitation of project-affected families in Borivali is underway.
When completed, the twin tunnel will provide a seamless underground corridor across Mumbai’s northern belt, significantly easing traffic congestion on Ghodbunder Road and helping reduce vehicular emissions.
Each tunnel will include two traffic lanes and one emergency lane, with cross-passages every 300 metres for enhanced safety. In addition, the project will feature modern systems for ventilation, fire suppression, smoke detection, and LED signage, ensuring commuter comfort and security.
Expected to transform connectivity between the eastern and western suburbs, the Thane–Borivali tunnel marks a major leap forward in Mumbai’s transport infrastructure, combining speed, sustainability, and safety.
Source: Swarajya
