The Thane-Borivali twin tunnel project is set to transform connectivity between Mumbai and Thane, reducing travel time from 90-120 minutes to just 15 minutes and shortening the distance from 23 km to 12 km. The INR 18,800-crore project will feature a 11.8-km underground twin tunnel beneath the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. The project includes three lanes per tunnel, with one reserved for emergencies, and will be completed by mid-2028. Environmental considerations include the use of recycled sewage water, while a combination of in-situ rehabilitation and relocation is planned for affected residents.
A major step forward has been taken to reduce travel time between Borivali and Thane. The forest department has granted permission for the transfer of 35.56 hectares of forest land to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) for the construction of an underground twin-tunnel road connecting Mumbai to Thane. The project will be situated beneath the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP).
The tunnel will drastically cut the travel time between Thane and Borivali, reducing it from the current 90 to 120 minutes to just 15 minutes. Once completed, the distance between the two locations will decrease from 23 km to 12 km. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the Thane-Borivali twin tunnel on July 13.
The land designated for the project stretches across both Thane and Borivali, where the tunneling work will occur. Seven villages in Thane and one village in Borivali will be affected, with residents needing to be relocated. The MMRDA plans to implement a combination of in-situ rehabilitation and relocation of some families to other areas, depending on the availability of transit housing.
For this multi-crore road project, forest land in parts of Manpada, Majiwada, Borivade, Yeoor, and Chene villages in Thane, as well as a section of Magathane in Borivali, will be acquired. MMRDA has issued a notice informing the public about the forest land transfer. MMRDA has secured over INR 15,000 crore in funding from various financial institutions for the project.
The total length of the INR 18,800-crore twin tunnel project will be 11.80 km, with a 160-meter approach road. The project will include three tunnels, each with three lanes, one of which will be reserved for emergency use. In the western suburbs, the tunnel will begin at the Borivali end of the Western Express Highway, travel underground, and emerge at the Eastern Express Highway in Thane.
The tunneling work will be divided into three phases, each consisting of different packages. Package 1 involves constructing a 5.75-km tunnel between Borivali and Thane, while Package 2 covers the second tunnel from Thane to Borivali, spanning 6.5 km. The third phase will focus on installing the ventilation system and other safety features within the tunnel.
The project will require 0.7 million liters of water daily, which will be sourced from recycled sewage water from treatment plants. The project is expected to be completed by mid-2028, with a proposed toll of INR 200 for light motor vehicles.
The Thane-Borivali twin tunnel project represents a crucial development for easing traffic congestion and boosting connectivity between Mumbai and Thane. The integration of environmental considerations and rehabilitation efforts reflects a balanced approach. Once operational, the tunnel will not only reduce travel time and distance but also improve the overall commuting experience for thousands of residents in the region.
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