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With an estimated investment of 16,600 crore rupees, the double tunnel will use giant machines under a protected area and promises to improve connections between Thane, Borivli, and other points of Mumbai, with pressure on the Ghodbunder Road
The Thane-Borivli tunnel began a new phase in April, with the launch of the tunnel boring machine by the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis. The project envisions double tunnels, the use of six TBM machines, an estimated investment of 16,600 crore rupees, and a promise to improve the east-west connection in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Thane-Borivli Tunnel advances with large machines
Executed by MMRDA, the Thane-Borivli tunnel project will have six tunnel boring machines in the construction of the tunnels.
The structure is designed to have two to three lanes in each direction, expanding the travel capacity between important areas of the region.
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The financing is supported by the Power Finance Corporation. One of the main technical highlights is the Arjun tunnel boring machine, a hard rock TBM with a diameter of 13.34 meters, described as one of the largest in the country.
The name Arjun was inspired by a species of tree. Another name mentioned in the project, Nayak, comes from a butterfly also recorded in the park.
Work will pass under protected area with environmental licenses
The tunnel will pass under the Santa Cruz National Park, identified in the material as SCNP. Authorities stated that all environmental and wildlife protection licenses have been obtained for the execution of the work.
The construction will be done at underground depth. The project plans to use zero vibration technology, aiming to avoid disturbances to the ecosystem during excavations.
Deputy Governor Eknath Shinde described the work as a “historic challenge,” citing the complexity of excavating under a protected forest.
He stated that “not even a butterfly should be disturbed,” advocating for extreme environmental care.
Corridor expected to improve connections and reduce pressure on Ghodbunder Road
Devendra Fadnavis stated that the tunnel is an engineering marvel and is expected to transform east-west connectivity in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
The corridor will be integrated with important infrastructures, such as the Thane Coastal Road. The work is also expected to improve connectivity in Borivli, Dahisar, Andheri, and Goregaon.
Another expected effect is the significant relief of congestion on Ghodbunder Road, one of the areas cited as directly benefiting from the new underground connection.
Government demands deadline and reduction of disturbances to residents
Shinde said the project faced several obstacles in 2019, but they were removed after the government took power. He instructed officials to ensure completion within the deadline.
The recommendation also includes avoiding disturbances to residents during the work, especially dust pollution and interruptions.
The deputy governor also stated that he will personally monitor the progress of the tunnel boring machine operations.
This article was prepared based on information from the material provided about the government of Maharashtra, MMRDA, and statements from Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde, with data, numbers, and statements preserved as per the consulted material.
