Maharashtra Explores 4-Kilometer Extension of Borivli-Thane Tunnel to Link with Coastal Road Network

Maharashtra Explores 4-Kilometer Extension of Borivli-Thane Tunnel to Link with Coastal Road Network

The state government of Maharashtra has announced that it is considering a proposal to extend the under-construction Borivli-Thane tunnel beyond its currently planned terminus near the Ghodbunder Highway junction, according to official sources. The proposed extension would create a direct connection with the Saket-Gaimukh Coastal Road, which is currently in the development phase, with the primary objective of alleviating traffic congestion in the region.

Officials stated that the potential extension, which remains in preliminary evaluation stages, is anticipated to facilitate smoother outbound traffic flow from both Thane and Borivli, while providing seamless connectivity to the Mumbai freeway extensions and the elevated Samruddhi connector near Saket.

Technical Specifications of the Proposed Extension

According to the current infrastructure plan, the tunnel is designed to terminate near Satyashankar Society, in close proximity to the Ghodbunder Road in Thane, which has emerged as an affordable growth corridor. However, the proposed extension would add an additional four-kilometer stretch that would integrate directly with the Coastal Road alignment as per Thane's urban development plan.

Sources indicated that the tunnel's extended surface point is expected to emerge near the planned Coastal Road corridor, creating a unified transit system that connects multiple Mumbai infrastructure projects.

High-Level Administrative Review

The decision to evaluate this extension followed recent high-level meetings that were chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, officials confirmed. The meetings witnessed participation from senior officials representing the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), and the district administration, all of whom are stakeholders in the INR 20,000 crore boost for regional connectivity in Thane.

Feasibility Study and Technical Evaluation

Authorities have announced that a comprehensive feasibility study will be undertaken to assess multiple technical and financial aspects of the proposed extension. The study will examine the following critical parameters:

• The optimal alignment and technical design specifications for the extended four-kilometer stretch
• Whether the road infrastructure will be constructed underground, at ground level, or as an elevated corridor
• The estimated financial requirements and potential impact on existing infrastructure networks

Officials emphasized that the final determination regarding depth, elevation, and alignment will depend entirely on the outcomes of this comprehensive survey and engineering analysis.

Addressing Traffic Congestion Concerns

Transportation experts and civic officials have expressed concerns that terminating the tunnel at the Ghodbunder Highway junction could potentially exacerbate the already severe traffic congestion at the Thane junction, which is recognized as a significant bottleneck in the metropolitan region. Similar concerns have been addressed through the strategic bridge construction to relieve Ghodbunder Road traffic problems.

Officials stated that the proposed extension is expected to deliver several strategic benefits:

• Diversion of outbound traffic away from the congested Ghodbunder Highway corridor
• Establishment of a direct transit corridor connecting to the Coastal Road and Mumbai Coastal Road network and Samruddhi Highway
• Preservation of the Ghodbunder Highway stretch primarily for local intra-city transportation

Transportation planners emphasized that the overarching objective is to enhance traffic flow across the Thane-Borivli corridor, which currently experiences severe congestion during peak hours, while ensuring long-term traffic sustainability in this rapidly expanding urban belt.

Project Background and Regional Significance

The Borivli-Thane tunnel represents one of the most significant infrastructure developments in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Transportation officials stated that upon completion, the tunnel will substantially reduce travel time between the eastern and western suburbs of the metropolitan region.

They added that if the new extension receives final approval, it would significantly enhance the tunnel's utility by creating an integrated connection with other major transit corridors, including the Mumbai Coastal Road tunnel and the Mumbai-Pune Expressway network.

The proposed infrastructure development is part of Maharashtra's broader strategy to address transportation challenges in the rapidly growing Mumbai Metropolitan Region, which continues to witness significant population growth and urban expansion.

Disclaimer: This news article is based on information from official sources and media reports. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, readers are advised to verify details with relevant authorities. The proposed tunnel extension is subject to feasibility studies, final government approvals, and technical evaluations. Project timelines, specifications, and implementation details may change based on administrative decisions and technical assessments.