Thane-Borivali Twin Tunnel Project: A Game-Changer for Mumbai’s Infrastructure

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Thane-Borivali Twin Tunnel Project: A Game-Changer for Mumbai’s Infrastructure

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Thane-Borivali Twin Tunnel Project: Timeline, Budget, Challenges, and Future Impact

Project Timeline
The Thane-Borivali Twin Tunnel project has progressed through significant milestones since its inception:

  • September 2015: The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) approved the proposal for twin tunnels between Thane and Borivali.
  • July 2020: The project was transferred to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) for further development.
  • May 2023: Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd. (MEIL) was selected as the preferred bidder for the civil works.
  • July 13, 2024: Construction officially began with the project’s inauguration.
  • February 4, 2025: The National Board of Wildlife granted essential approvals for the project.
  • January 2025: Construction is ongoing, with completion expected by May 2028.

Budget Review
The project’s cost has escalated significantly from its initial estimate of ₹11,235.43 crore to ₹18,838.40 crore. Key factors contributing to the increase include:

  • A 700-meter flyover on Ghodbunder Road (towards Thane).
  • Two subways (500 meters towards Thane and 850 meters towards Borivali).
  • Modern enhancements like advanced fire-fighting systems, electrical systems, and an open road tolling system.

To finance the project, the Maharashtra government has classified it as a “Vital Urban Transport Project.” The MMRDA has been authorized to secure loans of up to ₹15,071 crore from bilateral and multilateral financial institutions at favorable interest rates. Additionally, the state government has approved an interest-free subordinate loan of ₹2,417 crore, which includes contributions from the state, the central government, and a reserve for land acquisition. The financial structure involves 20% funding from the MMRDA and state government, with the remaining 80% coming from loans.

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Challenges
Building the twin tunnels beneath the Sanjay Gandhi National Park involves careful planning to mitigate environmental impact. Land acquisition is another hurdle, requiring 16.54 hectares of private land and 40.46 hectares from within the park. Negotiations and compensation agreements are underway.

From a technical perspective, advanced tunnel-boring machines are being deployed to handle the area’s diverse geological conditions. Safety features, such as cross-connection lanes every 300 meters, fire extinguishers, water hoses, smoke detectors, and illuminated signboards, have been integrated into the design to ensure user safety.


Future Impact
The Thane-Borivali Twin Tunnel is set to transform regional connectivity by reducing traffic congestion on key routes like Ghodbunder Road and the Western Express Highway. The project is expected to:

  • Enhance local economies by attracting businesses and promoting tourism.
  • Generate job opportunities and boost economic growth in the region.
  • Offer commuters a more efficient and comfortable travel experience, reducing travel time, stress, and increasing productivity.

Once completed, the project will mark a milestone in urban infrastructure development, benefiting both residents and the overall economy of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

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