For millions of people living in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, the journey between Borivali and Thane is a test of patience. What should be a quick trip often turns into a grueling 90-minute or even 1.5-hour ordeal, largely due to heavy traffic on Ghodbunder Road. But a solution is fast taking shape beneath the earth, the massive Borivali-Thane Tunnel project.
This ambitious infrastructure plan, spearheaded by the “Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority” (MMRDA), is set to revolutionize travel across the region. The project involves building twin tunnels and two separate tubes that will create a direct, express link between the “Western Express Highway” (WEH) in Borivali and Ghodbunder road in Thane.
Tunnelling under the green heart
What makes this project unique is its route. The entire system, spanning a total length of 11.84 kilometers, includes a significant tunnel section of 10.25 km that will pass directly beneath the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, because this park is a vital, sensitive natural area, the construction methods must be extremely precise and environmentally conscious.
To ensure minimal disturbance to the park and its wildlife, engineers are not using traditional blasting methods. Instead, they are deploying huge, advanced machines called “Tunnel Boring Machines” (TBMs). These machines, weighing around 2,500 tons and featuring a massive cutter head over 13 meters in diameter are designed to carve out the tunnels quietly and efficiently through the rock. It is an engineering marvel designed to safeguard the environment.
Cutting commute time to minutes
The primary benefit of the Borivali-Thane tunnel is the dramatic reduction in travel time. Currently, the 23-kilometer distance between the two points can take up to 90 minutes. Once operational, this journey will be completed in a mere 15 minutes. This time saving will not just free up time for commuters, it will also reduce fuel consumption and stress.
The design features two separate tunnels, each housing two traffic lanes and an additional emergency lane, ensuring smooth traffic flow and better safety. To maximize security, the tunnels will be equipped with critical safety measures, including cross-passages every 300 meters for emergencies, a robust ventilation system, firefighting equipment and smoke detectors.
A look at the timeline and investment
This is a monumental undertaking, both in scale and cost. The project was administratively approved in March 2023, with work commencing soon after in May 2023. The total project cost, including all related charges, is estimated to be approximately ₹18,838 crore.
The MMRDA is pushing for a brisk pace, with an expected completion target set for May 2028, though infrastructure projects of this magnitude often face challenges, the progress is steady. When this twin-tube artery will complete, it is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion on the existing Ghodbunder road, leading to cleaner air and a more sustainable development model for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
The Borivali-Thane tunnel is more than just a roadway; it is a critical piece of modern infrastructure that promises to redefine connectivity and vastly improve the quality of life for millions of commuters.
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Disclaimer – The information provided is based on public records from the MMRDA as of the last update. Project costs, timelines and technical details are subject to change by the authorities.
Source – MMRDA
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