Thane-Borivali tunnel project: Residents from Manpada voice concerns at MMRDA meet

Residents said they were not consulted on various aspects of the Thane-Borivali twin tunnel project, including the design of the approach road, which cuts directly through residential societies. Representational pic

Hundreds of residents who attended the meeting convened by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) on Saturday voiced their opposition to the ambitious Thane-Borivali twin tunnel project, reported news agency PTI.

The 11.8-kilometre tunnel, estimated to cost Rs 16,600 crore, aims to reduce the distance between Borivali - located at the northern tip of Mumbai - and Thane by 12 kilometres. This would cut down the travel time down to mere minutes compared to the more than two hours it currently takes. The foundation stone for the project was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 13 last year.

The residents from the housing societies in Mulla Baug, located in Manpada, Thane, raised concerns related to safety, planning, and environmental safeguards, reported PTI.

They also stated that the residents were not being consulted on various aspects of the Thane-Borivali twin tunnel project, including the design of the approach road, which cuts directly through residential societies.

PTI reported that residents also warned that the anticipated movement of trucks transporting mud and debris once construction commences would create serious environmental issues in the area.

Thane Lok Sabha lawmaker Naresh Mhaske, who was present at the meeting, assured the attendees that a committee comprising representatives from each affected society would be set up without delay.

"It will meet MMRDA officials in the coming weeks to deliberate on the concerns and suggest modifications. The tunnel will benefit lakhs by reducing travel time, but the concerns of those directly affected must be addressed first," said Mhaske.

About the project

The tunnel project is divided into three packages: Package 1 will feature a 5.75-km tunnel on the Borivli side, Package 2 will see a 6.05-km tunnel on the Thane side and Package 3 will cover the procurement and installation of electrical, mechanical and fire systems, along with ventilation.

The total length of the tunnel is 11.8 km, with an outer diameter of 13.05 metres (two lanes per tunnel plus one emergency lane), and cross passages every 300 metres. The project will also incorporate a drainage system, smoke detectors, and jet fans to maintain clean air inside the tunnel.

The project is expected to ease congestion on Ghodbunder Road by providing a quicker alternative route between Thane and Borivali.

(With PTI inputs)