Borivali-Thane Link Road Status: Forest Land Approved For 15-Minute Commute Under SNGP

In a significant development, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has received approval from the forest department to use 35.56 hectares of forest land for the construction of an underground twin-tunnel road between Borivali and Thane, according to a Hindustan Times (HT) report. The project, set to pass beneath the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SNGP), aims to drastically cut travel time between the two areas.

Once completed, the tunnel will reduce travel time from the current 90-120 minutes to just 15 minutes. The distance will also shrink from 23 kilometres to 12 kilometres. Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the Rs 18,800-crore project on 13 July.

Land Acquisition And Rehabilitation

The forest land, located at both ends of Thane and Borivali, is essential for tunnelling works. The project also involves relocating 500 to 700 families, primarily in Borivali, and resettling residents from seven villages in Thane and one village in Borivali. The MMRDA plans a mix of in-situ rehabilitation and relocation to transit homes based on availability.

Land from areas such as Manpada, Majiwada, Borivade, Yeoor, and Chene villages in Thane, as well as Magathane in Borivali, will be acquired. Rehabilitation of families within SNGP was a key issue during the recent assembly elections in the Magathane constituency.

Project Details

The twin-tunnel project will span 11.80 kilometres, with a 1.60 kilometres approach road. Tunnel-boring machines (TBMs) are expected to arrive next year, as current efforts focus on land acquisition and family resettlement. The tunnels will have three lanes on each side, with one lane designated for emergencies.

The route will begin at the Western Express Highway in Borivali, travel underground, and emerge at the Eastern Express Highway in Thane. Construction will take place in three phases, including two tunnels and the installation of ventilation and safety systems.

Environmental Considerations And Timeline

The project aims to protect SNGP's green cover by using TBMs to burrow beneath the park. It will use 0.7 million litres of water daily, sourced from recycled sewage water. Completion is expected by mid-2028, with toll charges for light vehicles set at Rs 200.

This ambitious project is poised to become a key milestone in reducing travel time and boosting connectivity between Mumbai's eastern and western suburbs.