Over 500 Structures Cleared in Borivali for Thane Borivali Twin Tunnel Project
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority has successfully cleared more than 500 structures in Borivali to facilitate the construction of the ambitious Thane Borivali Twin Tunnel project. This significant milestone comes as rehabilitation efforts for most project-affected persons are nearing completion, paving the way for accelerated tunnel construction activities from the Borivali end.
Rehabilitation Efforts and Progress
Of the 575 slum homes and structures located near Magathane in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, adjacent to the Western Express Highway, all but 15 have been cleared. These structures were situated in the path of the tunnel entry ramps from the Borivali side. An MMRDA official stated, "Rehabilitation efforts have been ongoing since last year. While there were some hurdles, the people have accepted the trade."
The rehabilitation process has been comprehensive:
- 189 residents from the top left portion of the affected area have been accommodated under a larger Slum Rehabilitation Authority scheme in the vicinity.
- 261 residents opted to accept rent compensation until permanent homes being constructed at the MMRDA’s Borivali Integrated Housing Complex are ready, with the housing project expected to be completed within six months.
- Initially, 88 families had been insisting on 305 sq ft homes and were unwilling to accept smaller units or interim rent arrangements. Officials confirmed that these families have since conceded and accepted the SRA homes arranged for them.
Approximately 15 homes remain, for which PAP housing has been requested by the SRA and is expected to be arranged by the end of February.
Challenges and Solutions
Apart from residential structures, a few other establishments posed challenges during the clearance process, including a library, a gym, and a Buddvihar. The library and gym have been provided with 11 months of rent compensation along with a container, while alternative arrangements have been made for the Buddvihar.
With most of the area cleared, the MMRDA can now proceed with preparing the TBM launching shaft at Borivali. Once ready, tunnel boring machines can be deployed from this end as well.
Project Details and Future Timeline
In November, the first TBM, named Nayak, was lowered at the Thane entrance. This 13.34 metre single shield TBM, the largest ever deployed in India, is being operated by the Hyderabad-based MEIL Group. The second tunnel boring machine is scheduled to arrive in Thane in early March.
The Thane Borivali Twin Tunnel project comprises two parallel 11.8 km long three-lane tunnels passing beneath the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Once completed, the tunnels will connect Ghodbunder Road to the Western Express Highway, reducing the current commute time of 60 to 90 minutes to approximately 15 minutes.
The Rs 18,838 crore project is expected to be completed by mid-2028, marking a transformative development in Mumbai's infrastructure landscape.
