TBM Arjuna Launched on Thane Side for Thane-Borivali Twin Tunnel Project

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday launched the second tunnel boring machine, named Arjuna, on the Thane side of the Thane–Borivali twin-tunnel project at Thane Ghodbunder Road.

The 11.85-kilometre twin-tube tunnel under the Sanjay Gandhi National Park will establish a direct subterranean corridor between Thane Ghodbunder Road on the Thane side and the Western Express Highway on the Borivali side. The infrastructure project is being executed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to provide seamless transit across the two major centres.

Of the total 11.85-kilometre alignment, 10.25 kilometres will consist of the tunnel itself, while 1.60 kilometres will serve as the approach road. The twin tunnels will feature a diameter of 13.3 metres, accommodating two regular traffic lanes and one dedicated emergency lane.

According to the MMRDA, the underground project aims to reduce the overall travel distance between Borivali and Thane by 12 kilometres and decrease travel time by approximately one hour. The administrative approval for the project, amounting to a cost of ₹16,600.40 crore, has been awarded to Megha Engineering Infrastructures Ltd.

Speaking at the inaugural event, Mr. Fadnavis highlighted the engineering scale of the undertaking. "This will set a record for the largest tunnel in the country. TVM Naik was launched two years ago; the second one, Arjuna is also launched, which will speed up the work," he said.

The Chief Minister stated that the various connectivity works being inaugurated are intended to offer commuters ease of travel and save valuable commuting time. Along with the deployment of TBM-2 on the Thane side of the twin-tunnel project, the event included the inauguration of the elevated corridor from Bharat Nagar Road to Vakola Junction and the Chembur Metro Station under Phase 1A of Metro Line 2B.