Twin Tube Tunnel between Thane and Borivali
Overview
The Thane-Borivali Twin Tube Tunnel (TBTT) Project is being implemented by MMRDA to provide a direct road connectivity between the Eastern and Western suburbs of Mumbai. At present, commuters travelling between Thane and Borivali are dependent on Ghodbunder Road, which experiences severe traffic congestion, resulting in increased travel time and vehicular pollution.
To address this issue, MMRDA is undertaking the construction of a twin tube road tunnel beneath the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), providing seamless connectivity between Thane and Borivali. The project will significantly reduce travel time and enhance regional mobility within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Currently, it takes 1 to 1.5 hours to travel the 23 Km distance between Thane and Borivali via Ghodbundar Road. Once the tunnel is operational, this journey is expected to take just 15 minutes.
The project comprises construction of two parallel road tunnels using Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) with advance tunnelling technology. The tunnel will be equipped with advanced ventilation, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and illuminated retro reflective/LED light sign boards. The foundation stone for the project was laid by the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India on 13 June 2024.
The Administrative approval to project cost amounting to Rs. 16,600.40 Crore is granted in MMRDA’s 154th Authority meeting held on 10th March 2023. In 275th Executive Committee Meeting held on 04th May, 2023 M/s. Megha Engineering Infrastructures Ltd was appointed as the contractor with the lowest bids of Rs. 6,178 Cr. for Pkg-1 and Rs. 5,879 Cr. for Pkg-2. The commencement date of work is dated 19th May 2023.
M/s Hill-TATA (JV) has been appointed as General Consultant for subject project and Notice to Proceed (NTP) was issued on 20th June 2024.
The project was declared as a "Project Significant for Urban Transport" and a "Project of Vital Importance" by the Government of Maharashtra, with a grant for interest-free secondary loan assistance, as per the Government Resolution dated 14th October 2024.
Present Status
Package-1 (Borivali Side):
- At Package‑1 (Borivali Side), the casting yard setup is currently in progress.
- Piling activity has commenced at Launching shaft area.
- TBM-03 FAT is completed on 29.05.2026 at Chennai and ready to dispatch to Borivali site.
Package-2 (Thane Side):
- TBM-01 “Nayak” Site acceptance test (SAT) is completed on 26.02.2026 and same is launched with auspicious hand of Hon’ble Chief Minister in presence of Hon’ble Dy. Chief Ministers on 07.04.2026. Tunnelling work is in progress.
- TBM-02 “Arjuna” site acceptance test (SAT) is completed on 25.06.2026 and now ready for initial drive.
- Physical Progress of the project: 13.13% (Till July 2026)
- Financial Progress of the project: 12.86% (Till Jun 2026)
Project Features
| Project Length | 11.84 Km (Tunnel: 10.25 Km + Connector: 1.59 Km) |
|---|---|
| Internal Diameter of Tunnel | Approximately 11.84 m |
| Tunnel Configuration | Two Traffic Lanes, One Emergency Lane and Pedestrian Walkway |
| Cross Passages | At every 300 m for emergency evacuation |
| Construction Methodology | Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) |
| Project Cost | ₹18,838 Crore (Including IDC Charges) |
| Completion Period | 60 Months |
| S. No. | Title | Download |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ESZ committee approval | Download |
| 2 | LOA | Download |
| 3 | Pkg-1 LOA | Download |
| 4 | General Consultant LOA | Download |
| 5 | General Consultant NTP | Download |
| 6 | TBTT Forest Clearance from GOI MOEFCC | Download |
| 7 | Administrative approval 154 meeting EC MMRDA | Download |
| 8 | Working permission from APCCF | Download |
| 9 | FRA – Mumbai Sub Urban (Borivali Side) | Download |
| 10 | FRA – Thane Side | Download |
| 11 | TBTT stage-1 Forest Clearance from GOI MOEFCC | Download |
| 12 | NBWL approval MOM - 77th meeting | Download |
| 13 | SBWL approval for TBTT project | Download |
| 14 | DPR | Download |
| 15 | Eco sensitive zone, Casting yard layout | Download |
| 16 | Environmentally sensitive area | Download |
