India’s Longest Urban Tunnel Between Borivali and Thane

India's Longest Urban Tunnel Between Borivali and Thane

India's longest urban tunnel, connecting Borivali and Thane, is set to transform Mumbai's transportation landscape. This ambitious infrastructure project, spearheaded by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), aims to reduce travel time and alleviate traffic congestion in the bustling city.

Key Features

1. Length and Structure:

   • The twin-tube tunnel will span 11.8 kilometers, making it the longest urban tunnel in India.
   • It will feature two operational lanes and one emergency lane per tube, enhancing safety and efficiency.

2. Construction and Design:

   • The tunnel will be constructed using India’s longest tunnel boring machine, ensuring minimal disruption to the surface environment.
   • The project will include cross passages every 300 meters for interconnection, further ensuring safety and accessibility.

3. Environmental Considerations:

   • Special care is being taken to protect the ecology of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, under which the tunnel will pass.
   • The project aims to reduce air and noise pollution, contributing to a healthier urban environment.

4. Economic and Social Impact:

   • With an estimated cost of ₹16,600 crore, the project is a significant investment in Mumbai’s infrastructure.
   • Once completed, it is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 150,000 metric tons annually.
   • The tunnel will shorten the travel distance between Thane and Borivali by 12 kilometers, cutting travel time by an hour and allowing commuters to traverse the distance in just 12 minutes.

5. Timeline:

   • The project was officially launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in July 2024.
   • It is scheduled for completion by May 2028.

Benefits

• Enhanced Connectivity: The tunnel will provide seamless east-west connectivity, linking the Western Express Highway at Borivali with the Thane Ghodbunder Road.
• Reduced Congestion: It will help ease traffic on the heavily congested Ghodbunder Road and Western Express Highway, improving commute times for thousands of daily travelers.
• Environmental Impact: The project is designed to reduce vehicular emissions and noise pollution, contributing to a cleaner and quieter urban environment.

This tunnel is not just a marvel of engineering but also a crucial step towards improving Mumbai's infrastructure, making daily commutes faster and more efficient while protecting the city's precious natural resources​ (MMRDA Official Website)​​ (Free Press Journal)​​ (mint)​.