Thane has introduced long-term traffic diversions to facilitate construction on the Thane–Borivali road tunnel, a major mobility project expected to reshape cross-city travel in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The traffic changes, implemented from mid-November and scheduled to continue until May 2026, are designed to clear space for extensive tunnelling work under the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP). Officials said the diversions were essential to maintain safety and ensure uninterrupted progress on the 11.8-kilometre twin-tunnel system.
The large-scale excavation is being overseen by the metropolitan development authority, which explained that several sections between Mulla Baug and Neelkanth Green required temporary closures. According to project engineers, tunnelling demands continuous operations for drilling, lining, and ground-support work, making controlled traffic movement a crucial component of construction planning. Local residents living near the work zone have raised concerns about congestion, dust and vibration generated by constant activity. Community groups reported apprehension over the possibility of increased heavy-vehicle movement in narrow neighbourhood lanes. An official involved in public outreach acknowledged the feedback and said the agency had been asked by the state administration to incorporate additional safeguards.
In response, the location of the Thane-side tunnel opening has been shifted roughly 200 metres away from residential blocks. This adjustment is expected to reduce noise levels and shield homes from the immediate impacts of excavation machinery and traffic generated by construction logistics. Urban planners described the shift as a necessary intervention to balance infrastructure progress with community well-being. Another significant change involves the management of construction debris. The original plan relied on frequent truck movement, prompting concerns about air quality and road safety. The agency has now proposed a closed conveyor-belt system to transport soil and rock directly away from the site. Experts say such enclosed systems can substantially reduce dust emissions and lower carbon footprints, aligning with broader goals of encouraging cleaner and more sustainable urban development practices.
For commuters, the next several months are likely to bring slower travel and periodic congestion on the affected stretch. Traffic police officials have deployed additional personnel and installed signage to guide drivers through the new route patterns. They have advised commuters to rely on updated digital maps and allow more travel time, especially during peak hours. If queues continue, more traffic wardens may be assigned to maintain steady flow. Despite the temporary disruption, mobility specialists emphasise that the Thane–Borivali tunnel is set to cut cross-region travel time from nearly 90 minutes to about 15, significantly easing pressure on congested arterial roads. When operational, the project is expected to offer a faster and more energy-efficient connection, supporting long-term goals of improving public mobility and reducing emissions across the region.
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