Complete All Infrastructure Projects Within Three Years: CM Devendra Fadnavis

CM Reviews Borivali-Thane Twin Tunnel Project, Emphasizes Timely Completion and Rehabilitation

Mumbai : Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has issued strict instructions that henceforth no infrastructure project in the state should face delays and that all projects must be completed within three years. He particularly stressed the need for permanent rehabilitation of project-affected families involved in the Borivali-Thane twin tunnel project, which he directed should be completed by December 2028.

The Chief Minister conducted a detailed review of the Borivali-Thane twin tunnel project today at the Cabinet Hall of the Vidhan Bhavan. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was also present during the meeting.

CM Fadnavis highlighted that the twin tunnel will span 11.84 kilometers, and adequate measures must be taken to ensure proper air circulation inside the tunnel. For this, he directed that additional land from the Sanjay Gandhi National Park be made available immediately. He also emphasized obtaining second-phase forest clearance and permissions for night-time construction work to ensure the project progresses efficiently.

To accelerate work on the Borivali side and rehabilitate affected families, a special drive should be launched to complete all action within one month, he said. Coordination among various agencies must be ensured, and officers should be appointed to oversee the resettlement through rental compensation or inclusion in existing housing schemes.

The Chief Minister further instructed authorities to acquire land needed from Adani and Tata Power projects on the Borivali side and to finalize road planning necessary for underground power cable installation by Adani Power.

During the meeting, Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, Metropolitan Commissioner of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), gave a presentation. Also present were Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik, Mumbai Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, Additional Metropolitan Commissioner Ashwin Mudgal, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Ramrao, Director of Sanjay Gandhi National Park Anita Patil, MHADA CEO Sanjay Jaiswal, Thane Collector Ashok Shingare, Thane Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao, and other key officials.

Key Facts About the Borivali-Thane Twin Tunnel Project:

• Total Tunnel Length: 11.84 km
• Construction Divided Into Two Packages:
  • Package 1 (Borivali side): 5.75 km – Estimated cost ₹6,178 crore
  • Package 2 (Thane side): 6.09 km – Estimated cost ₹5,879 crore
  • Total Project Cost: ₹12,057 crore
• Environmental Impact:
  • The project is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 1.4 lakh metric tonnes per year.
• Time & Fuel Efficiency:
  • The current travel time from Thane to Borivali via existing roads is 1 to 1.25 hours.
  • Once the tunnel is operational, this travel time will reduce to 15 minutes, saving substantial fuel and improving urban connectivity.