Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated projects worth INR 29,400 crore during his inaugural visit post his re-election. Among the flagship initiatives is a state-of-the-art twin tunnel connecting Thane and Borivali, designed to slash travel time by up to one hour and reduce the commute distance by 12 kilometers.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has outlined a five-year timeline for the completion of this ambitious project. The twin tunnel, an integral part of an 11.8-kilometer road corridor originating from Thane and culminating at NH-8 in Borivali, comes at a cost of INR 16,600.40 crore. Featuring two lanes and an emergency lane, the tunnel boasts dimensions of 10.25 kilometers in length, with cross passages at 300-meter intervals ensuring seamless connectivity. Designed with a vertical clearance of 5.50 meters and a diameter of 13.05 meters, the tunnel will incorporate advanced ventilation systems and well-illuminated retro reflective signboards for enhanced safety. Authorities anticipate the tunnel will alleviate congestion on the Western Express Highway and Ghodbunder Road, notorious for peak-hour gridlocks exacerbated by ongoing metro construction. Commuters traveling between Thane and Borivali currently endure a 23-kilometer journey consuming up to 1.5 hours during peak traffic, a scenario set to be revolutionized by the new infrastructure, which promises to halve current travel times.
The project is expected to yield substantial environmental benefits, including an annual reduction of 150,000 metric tons in carbon emissions, marking a significant step towards sustainable urban development. The deployment of the country’s longest Tunnel Boring Machine underscores the scale and technological prowess driving this transformative initiative. The project not only promise to elevate connectivity and ease of living for millions in Mumbai and Thane but also herald a new era of infrastructural excellence poised to catalyze economic growth and prosperity.
