In a bid to revolutionize transportation infrastructure, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is embarking on an ambitious project to construct a twin-tube highway tunnel between Thane City and Borivali in the state of Maharashtra. This visionary initiative, first proposed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) and later taken over by the MMRDA, promises to significantly reduce travel time and enhance connectivity between these two bustling cities.
The project, approved in the 150th meeting of the Board of Directors in September 2015, gained momentum with the appointment of M/s Aecom Asia Company Limited as the consulting firm responsible for preparing the detailed project report (DPR) and feasibility study. With a total length of 11.80 kilometers, the tunnel will feature two lanes in each tube, facilitating smoother traffic flow and accommodating an estimated volume of 50,000 passenger car units (PCU).
One of the project’s most notable aspects is its alignment beneath the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, a protected forest area. To minimize environmental impact, the construction will utilize Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) technology, as recommended by the National Institute of Rock Mechanics.
Despite facing challenges such as land acquisition and environmental clearances, the project has made significant strides forward. The DPR estimates the total cost at approximately ₹8404.00 crore, with implementation planned under the principle of Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
Among the companies involved in the project, M/s Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd (MEIL) has emerged as a key player. Awarded two major packages—Package-1 covering Borivali to Ch. 5+750 and Package-2 encompassing Ch. 5+750 to Thane—MEIL has demonstrated its expertise and commitment to delivering critical infrastructure projects.
MEIL’s proposal, approved in the 275th Executive Committee meeting, reflects a construction period of five years and a total investment of ₹13057 crore, including land acquisition costs. With a track record of excellence in engineering and construction, MEIL is poised to play a pivotal role in realizing the vision of enhanced connectivity between Thane and Borivali.
As the project progresses, it holds the promise of transforming transportation dynamics in the region, alleviating congestion, and fostering economic growth. Moreover, by leveraging cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices, the highway tunnel underscores India’s commitment to advancing infrastructure development in an environmentally responsible manner.
With the commencement of construction activities, stakeholders and residents eagerly anticipate the realization of this transformative project, which is poised to reshape the landscape of transportation in Maharashtra for generations to come.