The Thane–Borivali twin tunnel project is moving into a crucial phase as Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis prepares to flag off the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) Nayak at the Thane site on Tuesday. This ceremony officially marks the beginning of underground excavation for the ambitious project, which promises to drastically cut travel time between Thane and Borivali.

Stationed at Tiku Jini Wadi in Manpada, Thane, the massive TBM Nayak towers over 13 metres and is designed to dig through nearly 10 kilometres of rock. With an average progress of about 10 metres per day, the machine is expected to reach Borivali by 2028, completing one of the most challenging sections beneath the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. A second TBM, named Arjuna, is currently being assembled to dig a parallel tunnel, ensuring faster progress. As the machines advance, the tunnel walls will be constructed behind them, a standard practice in modern tunnel engineering.

The project, being undertaken by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), spans 11.84 kilometres and aims to reduce travel time between Borivali and Ghodbunder Road in Thane from the current 60–90 minutes to just 15 minutes. This tunnel will not only improve connectivity but is also expected to ease traffic congestion on one of Mumbai’s busiest road corridors, benefiting daily commuters and logistics movement alike.

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The Thane–Borivali tunnel project was approved in 2023, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid its foundation stone in January 2024. The twin tunnels are designed with state-of-the-art safety and ventilation systems, reflecting international best practices in underground infrastructure development. The use of modern TBMs like Nayak and Arjuna will allow the MMRDA to maintain a steady pace while minimising disruption on the surface.

Once operational, the twin tunnel will be a game-changer for Mumbai’s suburban transport network, offering a faster, safer, and more efficient alternative to the existing road routes. Experts say the project also demonstrates the city’s increasing focus on modern urban mobility solutions and underground infrastructure, which can alleviate surface-level traffic challenges in a densely populated metropolis.

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