The Thane Borivali Tunnel Road, also known as the Twin Tunnel Project, is an 11.8 km-long underground road project that will directly connect Thane and Borivali. Currently, if you want to travel from Thane to Borivali, you have to use Ghodbunder Road or the Western Express Highway, which takes 1.5 to 2 hours during peak hours.
But once this tunnel is built, the journey will take only 12 to 15 minutes. The tunnel will pass directly beneath Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), making it one of India’s engineering marvels. Its biggest advantage is that it will improve urban connectivity without disturbing the forest area.
Project Overview: Features of the Thane Borivali Twin Tunnel
The responsibility for this project has been taken on by the MMRDA (Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority), and its construction is being carried out by major companies like L&T (Larsen & Toubro) and Megha Engineering.
Some Technical Highlights:
- Total Length: The tunnel will be 11.84 km long, of which 10.25 km is the complete tunnel section.
- Diameter: The tunnels are approximately 13.1 meters wide, being excavated by large Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs).
- Safety Features: There will be “Cross-passages” every 500 meters so that in an emergency, people can easily move from one tunnel to another. It also includes an advanced fire detection system, ventilation system, and SOS booths.
- Eco-Friendly Approach: Since it is located under the SGNP, the trees and wildlife above will not be harmed. A “linear heat detection system” will also be installed.
Expert Insight: This project is not just a road; it will eliminate the biggest obstacle to Mumbai’s “East-West Connectivity.” Not only will it save fuel, but it will also significantly reduce carbon emissions because vehicles will no longer be stuck in traffic for hours.
Thane Borivali Tunnel Route Map: Where Does It Start and End?
The route map for the Thane Borivali Tunnel Road is highly strategic. This tunnel does not touch the eco-sensitive zone of Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) at all; instead, it passes 23 to 60 meters below ground.
- Thane Entry/Exit Point: In Thane, the tunnel starts near Tikuji-ni-wadi (Manpada). Recently, at residents’ request, its portal (entry point) has been moved 225 meters further ahead (near Satyashankar wall) to reduce dust and noise in residential areas.
- Borivali Entry & Exit Point: On the Borivali side, this tunnel will connect to the Western Express Highway (WEH) near Magathane (Ekta Nagar). This point is quite close to the Borivali BEST depot.
- The Underground Path: Approximately 10.25 km of the tunnel is entirely underground, which reduces the 23 km distance between Thane and Borivali to just 11.8 km.
Thane Borivali Tunnel Construction Status 2026: When Will This Tunnel Start?
As of the latest update in February 2026, the project is now in full swing. MMRDA and L&T have jointly achieved several milestones:
- TBM Deployment: The first mega Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), named ‘Nayak’, has started boring from the Thane side. The second machine is expected to arrive by March 2026.
- Land Clearance: Over 500 slum structures on the Borivali side have been cleared and residents relocated to SRA homes to make way for a TBM launching shaft there as well.
- Muck Disposal System: To reduce pollution, a closed conveyor belt system has been installed that transports excavated soil (debris) directly to dumpers, preventing dust from flying onto local roads.
- Expected Deadline: According to official records (MMRDA), the completion target is set for May 2028. Major tunnelling work is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
| Milestone | Status (Feb 2026) |
| Foundation Stone | Completed (July 2024) |
| Tunnelling (Thane Side) | In Progress (TBM Nayak) |
| Land Acquisition | 95% Completed |
| Project Completion | Expected May 2028 |
Expert Tip: If you’re thinking of buying a home in Thane West or Borivali East, now is the right time. Once the tunnel opens, connectivity to central Mumbai from these areas will be faster, potentially driving prices up by 20–30%.
The most essential thing in infrastructure projects is accurate and up-to-date data. The planning and execution of the Thane-Borivali Twin Tunnel project are being carried out under the direct supervision of the MMRDA. If you want to learn in more depth about the project’s technical specifications, tender details, or environmental clearances, you can refer to the projects section on the MMRDA’s official website. There you will find official documents related to the tunnel’s structural safety and futuristic design, which further enhance the credibility of this project.
Impact on Real Estate: House Prices in Thane and Borivali
Friends, there’s a simple rule in real estate—“Wherever infrastructure goes, prices will rise.” Since the announcement of the Thane Borivali Tunnel Road, property rates in both areas have surged, but by 2026 this “price gap” is rapidly disappearing.
- Thane West (Majiwada, Kolshet, Tikuji-ni-wadi): This is the tunnel’s “Eastern Mouth.” Previously, people were hesitant to move from Borivali or Kandivali to Thane, but now, thanks to a 12-15 minute commute, HNIs and corporate professionals are giving Thane preference. Rental yields here have now reached 5% to 6%.
- Borivali East (Magathane & WEH): With connectivity improving on the Borivali side, redevelopment of older buildings has accelerated. For people in the western suburbs who were always troubled by traffic, this tunnel is a boon.
- The “Tunnel Premium”: By the end of 2026, experts believe that property prices within a 2-3 km radius of the tunnel portals will see an additional “Premium” of 15% to 20%.
Environmental Challenges: What Will Happen to the SGNP Jungle?
Since this tunnel passes beneath Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), environmental safety has been the top priority.
- Zero Surface Disturbance: The boring machines (TBMs) are working 60 meters below the ground, which means there will be no disturbance to the trees or wildlife (leopards, deer) above.
- Wildlife Monitoring: The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) is continuously monitoring the project’s vibration levels to ensure that the animals are not disturbed by underground noise.
- Eco-Friendly Ventilation: Modern air filtration systems are being installed in the tunnel to ensure that the Air Quality Index (AQI) inside the park is not degraded.
Conclusion
What is the Thane Borivali tunnel road? It’s not just a road, but a mega-project that will reshape Mumbai’s geography. When it’s completed in 2028, it will connect Thane and the Western Suburbs in a way never seen before. If you’re considering investing, 2026 is the “golden time” to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will the toll for the Thane Borivali tunnel road be?
According to government sources, the proposed toll for light motor vehicles (cars) could be around ₹200. However, the final rates will only be announced when the tunnel opens (in 2028).
Are bikes and heavy trucks allowed in this tunnel?
No. Currently, this tunnel is designed only for cars and light motor vehicles. Similar to the Mumbai Coastal Road, bikes and heavy transport trucks will not be allowed entry for safety reasons.
What is the total cost of this project?
The total cost of this project is approximately ₹18,838 Crore, which is being funded by the MMRDA and loans from banks.
Will this tunnel be closed during the monsoon?
No. It is equipped with advanced drainage and flood control systems to ensure the tunnel remains completely dry and safe, even during heavy rainfall.
Disclaimer: Construction timelines and toll charges are subject to government decisions. Always check the latest RERA updates and MMRDA notifications before making any investment.
