The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority has initiated tunnelling for the ambitious Thane–Borivali Twin Tunnel project, set to become India’s longest urban road tunnel. Once completed, the project is expected to significantly cut travel time between the two suburbs, transforming connectivity across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Currently, the 23-km journey between Thane and Borivali takes between 60 and 90 minutes, largely due to heavy congestion on Ghodbunder Road. The new tunnel is projected to reduce this travel time to just 15 minutes, offering a faster and more efficient commuting option.
Launched on May 19, 2023, the project is targeted for completion by May 2028. Spanning 11.84 km, including 10.25 km of twin tunnels, it will pass beneath the ecologically sensitive Sanjay Gandhi National Park. To minimise environmental impact, construction is being carried out using advanced tunnel boring machines (TBMs).
The project is being executed with the help of Nayak, India’s largest single-shield hard rock TBM, while another machine, Arjuna, will be deployed shortly. These technologies are designed to ensure efficient excavation with minimal disruption to the surrounding environment.
Each tunnel will feature three lanes, including a dedicated emergency lane, along with cross passages every 300 metres for enhanced safety. Advanced systems such as ventilation, firefighting mechanisms, smoke detectors, and LED-based information displays will also be installed.
In addition to the tunnel, the project includes approach roads connecting the Western Express Highway in Borivali and Ghodbunder Road in Thane.
Once operational, the corridor is expected to ease congestion, reduce pollution, and support long-term urban mobility, positioning it as a critical infrastructure upgrade for Mumbai’s future.
Source: The Free Press Journal
