Mumbai’s growing traffic woes have long made travel between Thane and Borivali a daily challenge for commuters. But relief is on the way, thanks to the upcoming Thane-Borivali Tunnel Project, a major infrastructure development that promises to significantly reduce travel time and improve connectivity in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority(MMRDA).
What is the Thane-Borivali Tunnel Project?
The Thane-Borivali Tunnel is a proposed underground road tunnel, approximately 11 kilometers long, connecting Tikuji-Ni-Wadi in Thane to the Western Express Highway (WEH) near Borivali. This tunnel will pass under the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, making it a faster and eco-sensitive route between the eastern and western suburbs.
Key Features of the Project
- Length: Approx. 11 km
- Type: Twin-tube tunnel with 2+2 lane carriageway
- Technology: Utilizes four tunnel boring machines (TBMs)
- Estimated Cost: ₹18,838.40 crore.
- Travel Time Reduction: From 1.5 hours to just 15–20 minutes
- Environmental Impact: Designed to avoid disturbing the Sanjay Gandhi National Park’s surface ecosystem
Project Timeline & Latest Updates
- Project Announced: Initial proposal was made in 2016
- Approval: Final approvals were granted in recent years
- Start of Work: Tunnel boring is expected to begin soon
- Expected Completion: The project is estimated to be completed by 2030, depending on execution speed
As of now, pre-construction activities like soil testing, geological surveys, and land acquisition have been initiated.
Why This Tunnel Matters
- Huge Time Saver: The tunnel will drastically reduce congestion on Ghodbunder Road and other arterial routes
- Boost to Real Estate: Areas around Thane and Borivali are expected to see a surge in property demand
- Eco-Friendly Alternative: Reduces surface traffic and pollution in sensitive green zones
- Strategic Connectivity: Seamlessly connects eastern and western suburbs without interfering with SGNP
📍 Impact on Daily Commuters
For thousands of professionals, students, and travelers moving between Thane and the western suburbs, this tunnel will be a game-changer. No more bottlenecks, endless wait times, or long detours—just a smooth underground ride from one end to the other.
🔍 Final Thoughts
The Thane-Borivali Tunnel Project is not just an engineering marvel in the making—it’s a symbol of Mumbai’s evolving infrastructure. Once completed, it will offer faster, safer, and more sustainable travel, benefiting both commuters and the environment.
Stay tuned as we continue to track the progress of this landmark project and provide you with regular updates.
