Mumbai, India’s bustling financial hub, grapples with severe traffic congestion, impacting millions daily. Commuters from nearby cities like Thane, Kalyan Dombivli, Ulhasnagar, Ambernath, and Badlapur face long, frustrating journeys to Mumbai, often taking 1.5 to 2 hours due to heavy traffic and detours around Sanjay Gandhi National Park. The Thane-Borivali Twin Tunnel project, spearheaded by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), promises to address these challenges by slashing travel time to just 15-20 minutes. This article explores the project’s details, benefits, challenges, and latest updates as of June 2025.
Current Commuting Challenges
Traveling from Thane to Mumbai is a daunting task. Popular routes like Ghodbunder Road to Western Express Highway and the Jogeshwari Vikroli Link Road via Vikroli are notorious for traffic jams, especially during peak hours. The Sanjay Gandhi National Park, located between Thane and Borivali, forces commuters to take longer routes, increasing travel time, fuel consumption, and costs. These inefficiencies strain both commuters and the local economy.
The Thane-Borivali Twin Tunnel Solution
To tackle these issues, the MMRDA initiated the Thane-Borivali Twin Tunnel project, a 11.84-kilometer link road featuring a 10.8-kilometer twin tunnel beneath Sanjay Gandhi National Park. This direct route will connect Tikujiniwadi in Thane to the Western Express Highway in Borivali, bypassing congested roads and reducing the travel distance from 23 km to 12 km (Financial Express).
Project Specifications
The Thane-Borivali Twin Tunnel is a six-lane highway, with three lanes per tunnel, designed to handle high traffic volumes. The project includes:
- Tunnel Length: 10.8 km, with 1-km approach roads at both Thane and Borivali ends.
- Additional Infrastructure: A flyover and underpass at the Thane end for seamless connectivity to Ghodbunder Road.
- Cost: Estimated at Rs. 18,830 crores (Homebazaar).
- Land Acquisition: 16.54 hectares of private land and 40.46 hectares within Sanjay Gandhi National Park.
Upon completion, it will be India’s longest urban tunnel, showcasing advanced engineering (The Metro Rail Guy).
| Project Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Total Length | 11.84 km (10.8 km underground) |
| Lanes | 6 (3 per tunnel) |
| Start/End Points | Tikujiniwadi, Thane to Western Express Highway, Borivali |
| Cost | Rs. 18,830 crores |
| Expected Completion | May 2028 |
| Contractor | Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd. |
Construction and Technology
The project, contracted to Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL), began with a groundbreaking ceremony by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 13, 2024. Four mega tunnel boring machines (TBMs), the largest in India, are being used for excavation. The first TBM (S1400A) passed its Factory Acceptance Test in February 2025 at a facility in Tamil Nadu and is set for deployment before the 2025 monsoon (The Metro Rail Guy). These TBMs ensure efficient tunneling while minimizing environmental disruption.
Safety Features
The tunnel will incorporate advanced safety measures, including:
- Cross-connection lanes every 300 meters for emergencies.
- Fire extinguishers, water hoses, and smoke detectors.
- Illuminated signboards and SOS boxes every 500 meters.
- Speed cameras for traffic monitoring (Financial Express).
Environmental Considerations
Tunneling beneath Sanjay Gandhi National Park, a biodiversity hotspot, requires careful environmental management. An IIT-Bombay study confirmed no adverse impact on groundwater, and the MMRDA has implemented measures to protect the park’s ecosystem, such as using TBMs to avoid surface disruption and strict waste management protocols (Homebazaar). The project has received wildlife clearance, though final environmental clearance from the Union Environment Ministry is pending.
Benefits of the Tunnel
The Thane-Borivali Twin Tunnel offers multiple benefits:
- Time Savings: Reduces travel time from 1.5-2 hours to 15-20 minutes.
- Environmental Impact: Cuts fuel consumption by 10.5 lakh metric tonnes annually and CO2 emissions by 36%.
- Traffic Relief: Expected to serve 80,000-100,000 vehicles daily, easing congestion on Ghodbunder Road (Financial Express).
- Economic Boost: Enhances goods and people movement, spurring economic activity.
Economic and Social Impact
The tunnel will improve transportation efficiency, reducing costs for businesses and commuters. It’s likely to boost real estate in Thane and Borivali, increasing property values and tax revenues. The construction phase is generating jobs, from engineering to support roles, contributing to local economic growth. However, social challenges arise from the rehabilitation of 650 families in Magathane. The Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) has allotted 343 tenements, but some families demand in-situ rehabilitation, prompting ongoing discussions with MMRDA (Hindustan Times).
Current Status (June 2025)
As of June 2025, the project is on schedule. Construction activities are underway at both ends, with the first TBM ready for deployment. The MMRDA is addressing rehabilitation concerns to ensure smooth progress. The project remains on track for completion by May 2028.
Challenges and Community Engagement
Tunneling under a national park poses engineering and environmental challenges. The MMRDA has conducted extensive environmental assessments and public consultations to address concerns. The rehabilitation of project-affected families remains a point of contention, with efforts ongoing to find equitable solutions.
Future Prospects
The Thane-Borivali Twin Tunnel could set a precedent for urban infrastructure projects in India. Its success may inspire similar initiatives to address traffic congestion in other cities, promoting sustainable urban planning. The project’s focus on environmental and social considerations highlights a balanced approach to development.
Conclusion
The Thane-Borivali Twin Tunnel is a transformative project for Mumbai, promising to alleviate traffic woes, save time, and promote sustainability. As it progresses toward its 2028 completion, it underscores India’s growing expertise in infrastructure development. This tunnel will not only connect Thane and Borivali but also pave the way for a more efficient and connected Mumbai.