A large-scale infrastructure development in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region has been accompanied by a series of traffic changes, with residents in Thane being particularly affected. The construction of the Thane–Borivali twin-tube tunnel, being carried out by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), has been presented as a transformative project, with travel time reductions from nearly ninety minutes to approximately fifteen minutes being projected once the corridor is completed. These expectations have been cited by officials while the groundwork continues under the Sanjay Gandhi National Park.
As part of the preparatory and excavation activities for the tunnel, a major traffic diversion has been put into effect. The stretch between Mulla Baug and Neelkanth Green has been closed by the Thane Traffic Police, and an alternate route has been assigned for vehicular movement. This diversion was brought into force on 14 November and has been scheduled to remain in place until 11 May 2026. The measure has been described as essential for enabling uninterrupted construction progress, although concerns have been voiced by residents who fear prolonged congestion and inconvenience.
Public reactions have prompted several revisions to the original construction plan. It has been reported that Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has intervened to ensure that disruptions and environmental impacts are minimised. As a result of his directions, the location of the tunnel’s Thane-side exit is being shifted by about two hundred metres so that it will open farther away from residential complexes. This change has been introduced after repeated appeals from local communities, who had earlier highlighted worries about noise, vibration, and increased vehicular activity in their vicinity.
Another significant adjustment has been introduced in the handling of excavated material. It has been specified that a closed conveyor belt system will now be used for transporting debris. Earlier plans involving the use of dump trucks had raised apprehension among citizens regarding dust, pollution, and noise. With the revised mechanism, lower environmental impact is being anticipated by the authorities, and assurances have been extended that daily life in the region will be affected to a lesser degree.
Despite these measures, temporary inconvenience has been acknowledged as unavoidable. MMRDA officials have stated that delays, longer commute times, and congestion may continue during the construction period. However, repeated emphasis has been placed on the long-term gains that are expected. Once operational, the tunnel is being positioned as a major relief corridor that will significantly ease traffic pressure and improve travel efficiency across Thane and Borivali.
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