Thane: Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday launched the tunnel boring machine (TBM) for the ambitious Thane-Borivli twin-tunnel project, describing it as an engineering marvel that will transform east-west connectivity in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.A total of six TBMs will be deployed to construct the tunnels, designed with two to three lanes in each direction.Being executed by the MMRDA at an estimated cost of Rs 16,600 crore, the project is financially supported by Power Finance Corporation. One of the highlights is the deployment of a 13.34-metre-diameter hard rock TBM, named Arjun—among the largest in the country. The TBM machine’s name Arjun is derived from a tree species found in Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), and another, Nayak, is inspired by a butterfly found in SGNP.The tunnel will pass underneath the SCNP, with authorities confirming all environmental and wildlife clearances have been secured. Construction is being carried out deep underground using zero-vibration technology to ensure no disturbance to the ecosystem.The corridor will integrate with key infrastructure such as the Thane Coastal Road and improve connectivity across Borivli, Dahisar, Andheri and Goregaon, while significantly easing congestion on Ghodbunder Road, he said.The other decongestion projects CM pointed out included Orange Gate. Deputy CM Eknath Shinde termed the project a “historic challenge,” noting the complexities of tunnelling beneath a protected forest. “Even a butterfly should not be disturbed,” Shinde said, stressing the need for utmost environmental care. He added the project faced several “speed breakers” in 2019, but the govt removed all obstacles after coming to power. He directed officials to ensure timely completion of the project without causing inconvenience to residents, particularly avoiding dust pollution and disruption. Shinde also said he would personally monitor the progress of the TBM operations.
