Responding to sustained local opposition and environmental concerns, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has revised the alignment of the ambitious Borivli twin tunnel project in Thane. The decision comes after weeks of protests from residents of Mulla Baug, whose coordinated civic pressure has forced a rethink of the original tunnelling path.
The twin tunnel, a critical component of Mumbai’s upcoming multimodal corridor, will now be extended by 200 metres and routed deeper underground to mitigate its impact on residential areas. The move is aimed at reducing noise, air pollution, and vehicular congestion near sensitive neighbourhoods, particularly around the Shree Satya Shankar housing complex, which was at the centre of the earlier controversy.
The revised design proposes that the tunnel emerge well beyond the Ghodbunder Highway, pushing the alignment about 50 metres away from the previously planned exit near high-density residential and educational zones. This strategic shift not only safeguards the urban environment but also reflects a rare example of civic consultation shaping large-scale infrastructure development in India’s financial capital.
The plan was finalised following several rounds of dialogue between MMRDA officials and a coalition of residents under the banner of Mulla Baug Project Affected People. These groups had raised formal objections and conducted peaceful demonstrations over the original alignment, citing concerns over safety, health, and quality of life. Their activism received the backing of political representatives and civic authorities, eventually prompting the state government to intervene.
MMRDA reviewed twelve alternative alignments before finalising the current route. The tunnel’s depth has been increased by five metres to further minimise vibrations and surface disruptions. While this revision will slightly increase project costs, senior officials argue that the long-term social and environmental benefits outweigh the additional expenditure.The revised route is also expected to reduce the risk of future litigation and community backlash, ensuring smoother execution in the years ahead. The authority plans to adopt either the cut-and-cover or box tunnelling method to complete the six-lane carriageway, depending on further technical assessments.
Officials confirmed that the Chief Minister’s Office and top MMRDA leadership gave their nod to the updated plan, reinforcing the government’s intention to balance infrastructure growth with public interest. New technical surveys, environmental impact studies, and cost-benefit analyses are expected to begin shortly.In a region where infrastructure expansion often clashes with ecological preservation and citizen welfare, the Borivli tunnel’s realignment signals a progressive shift. The project is now being seen as a litmus test for how mega urban projects can be made inclusive, sustainable, and socially responsive.
As Mumbai and its metropolitan region prepare for future urban challenges, this episode stands out as a timely reminder that inclusive planning and grassroots engagement can help bridge the gap between development and public trust.
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