CM Fadnavis Launches TBM Arjuna for Thane-Borivali Twin Tunnel Project

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday launched TBM Arjuna, the second tunnel boring machine for the Thane-Borivali twin tunnel project, while inaugurating several major infrastructure developments including the completed Santacruz-Chembur Link Road network and Metro connectivity up to Chembur.

As part of the infrastructure expansion, Fadnavis inaugurated the 1.4-kilometre elevated corridor connecting Bharat Nagar Road in the Mumbai University area to Vakola Junction. Constructed under SCLR Extension Phase II, the section completes the overall 10.3-kilometre SCLR network linking the Eastern Express Highway with the Western Express Highway.

The final elevated section provides direct connectivity between the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) and the Western Express Highway. According to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), the completed network is expected to allow motorists to bypass heavy congestion around Kalina, Vakola, and Kalanagar, cutting travel times on key routes by roughly 35 minutes.

Addressing the gathering, Fadnavis stated that eight links have now been constructed around BKC's G-Block to relieve vehicular congestion, compared to the six links originally planned. While acknowledging that the landing of the new elevated corridor near Bharat Nagar Road and Vakola Junction had caused traffic congestion on the Western Express Highway, the chief minister noted that traffic management measures were underway.

In addition to launching the tunnel boring machine for the Thane-Borivali project, Fadnavis opened Chembur Metro station to commuters under Phase 1A of Metro Line 2B. During the event, the BKC connector was also officially renamed after former Maharashtra Chief Minister Babasaheb Bhosale.