Twin Tube Tunnel project finally receives wildlife clearance, clears the way for game-changing tunnel road under national park
The map showing the entry and exit points of the twin tunnel under SGNP
Taking a significant step toward realisation, the long-anticipated Twin Tube Tunnel road project, connecting Thane with Borivli and passing beneath Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), has received wildlife clearance. The construction of this Twin Tube Tunnel road promises to reduce travel time between Thane and Borivli by approximately one hour. Securing the approval of the State Wildlife Board has been a pivotal requirement for the project. Fortunately, the wildlife clearance for the Twin Tube Project was granted during the 22nd Meeting of the State Board for Wildlife, chaired by the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde. This eagerly awaited clearance now paves the way for the project to proceed to the next clearance stages.
The Twin Tube Tunnel Road is a proposed 2-lane highway tunnel road between Borivli and Thane. This project involves the construction of two tunnel roads, each with two separate lanes and an emergency lane. These tunnel roads will be spanning approximately 10.25 km, with a 1.55 km approach road. Each tunnel road will have a total length and diameter of approximately 11.8 km and 13.05 m, respectively. A dedicated ventilation system will be installed throughout the tunnel, with cross passages provided at every 300 metres. Safety features such as fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, LED lights, and signboards will be strategically placed in the tunnel for the safety and convenience of travellers.
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Representational image of the Borivli-Thane tunnel
The construction of the Twin Tube tunnel road comprises two civil packages and one ITS package, with civil packages 1 and 2 already awarded through tender. On May 8, 2023, “M/S. Megha Engineering & Infrastructure Ltd.” received the Letter of Award (LOA) for packages 1 and 2. The estimated project cost, including land acquisition, is around Rs 16,600 crore. The completion of construction tasks within five years will require the use of four Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs). Geotechnical investigation works have already commenced, conducted by the contractor’s mobilized team. The construction of the Twin Tube tunnel road necessitates the use of approximately 46.57 hectares of land, with about 35.54 hectares falling within the forest area under the jurisdiction of the Government of Maharashtra. Therefore, obtaining wildlife clearance is a significant milestone, as the proposed tunnel road stands to bring numerous benefits to the people of Maharashtra.
The tunnel road cuts the distance by 12 km, allowing travellers to save approximately one hour. This represents a significant breakthrough, enabling people to save both time and money on fuel costs when commuting between Thane and Borivli. Additionally, the new tunnel road will establish a direct connection between Thane Ghodbander Road and the Western Express Highway in Borivli.
Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, IAS, metropolitan commissioner of MMRDA, said, “We are continually dedicated to improving the lives of people in and around the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Our initiatives are carefully considered to ensure they bring us one step closer to a promising future. The Twin Tube tunnel road is a remarkable endeavour that redefines ‘connectivity.’ Therefore, obtaining wildlife clearance is a significant achievement, enabling us to move forward and transform this dream into a reality.”
Rs 16,600 cr
Estimated cost of the project
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