3 minutes of readingBombayFebruary 5, 2026, 11:58 am
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority has cleared over 500 structures in Borivali to make way for the Thane Borivali double tunnel project, and the rehabilitation of most of the people affected by the project is nearing completion. The progress paves the way for tunneling activities from the Borivali end even as the second TBM is scheduled to reach Thane in early March.
Of the 575 slum houses 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 on the way of the entrance ramps to the tunnel from the Borivali side.
“Rehabilitation efforts have been underway since last year,” said an MMRDA official. “Although there were some obstacles, people accepted the exchange.”
According to officials, 189 residents from the upper left part of the affected area have been housed under a broader Slum Rehabilitation Authority scheme in the surrounding areas. Another 261 residents have opted to accept rental compensation until the permanent homes being built at the MMRDA’s Borivali Integrated Housing Complex are ready. The housing project is expected to be completed within six months.
Initially, 88 families had insisted on 305-square-foot homes and were unwilling to accept smaller units available in the area or interim rental agreements. Officials said these families have since relented and accepted the SRA houses arranged for them.
There are approximately 15 homes remaining, for which the SRA has requested PAP accommodation and this is expected to be ready by the end of February.
Apart from residential structures, some other establishments posed challenges during the clearance process, including a library, a gymnasium and a Buddvihar. The library and gym have been given 11 months’ rent compensation along with a skip, while alternative arrangements have been made for Buddvihar.
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With most of the area cleared, the MMRDA can now proceed to prepare the TBM launch pit at Borivali. Once ready, the TBMs can also be deployed from this end.
In November, the The first TBM, named Nayak, was lowered at the entrance to Thane.. The 13.34 meter single shield TBM, the largest ever deployed in India, is being operated by the Hyderabad MEIL Group based in Germany.
The Thane Borivali twin tunnel project comprises two 11.8 km long three-lane parallel tunnels passing beneath the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Once completed, the tunnels will connect Ghodbunder Road to the Western Express Highway, reducing the current travel time from 60 to 90 minutes to approximately 15 minutes. The Rs 18,838 crore project is expected to be completed by mid-2028.