According to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), excavation at the Thane-side Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) launching shaft, which began in October 2024, is nearing completion. The Thane casting yard is now fully operational, while groundwork at the Borivali yard is underway. Land acquisition on the Thane side has been largely completed, and rehabilitation of Project-Affected Persons (PAPs) in Borivali is currently in progress, the authority said in an update posted on X on 2 November.
Key Features and Benefits
The 11.8-kilometre underground twin tunnel will directly link Thane’s Ghodbunder Road with the Western Express Highway, significantly improving east–west connectivity across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Once operational, the project is expected to reduce travel time between the two locations from the current 60–90 minutes to just around 15 minutes, easing heavy traffic congestion and providing a faster, cleaner, and more efficient commute.
Each tunnel will have three lanes, including an emergency lane, and cross-passages every 300 metres. The design prioritises commuter safety, featuring advanced systems such as ventilation units, firefighting mechanisms, smoke detectors, and illuminated LED signboards.
A Major Urban Milestone
Officials said the project employs cutting-edge tunnelling technology to pass beneath Sanjay Gandhi National Park while ensuring minimal environmental disruption.
“Once operational, the tunnel is expected not only to reduce travel times dramatically but also to alleviate vehicular congestion, cut emissions, and provide Mumbai with a smarter and more sustainable commuting solution,” an MMRDA official told Free Press Journal.
The Thane–Borivali Twin Tunnel is regarded as one of Mumbai’s most transformative urban infrastructure projects, designed to support the city’s rapidly growing population and enhance regional mobility.
