Nayak’s Deep Dive: A Heroic Start to the Thane–Borivali Twin Tunnel

The first tunnel boring machine (TBM), named Nayak, has been launched to commence excavation for the Thane–Borivali Twin Tunnel project, marking a major milestone in enhancing connectivity across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

The launch took place on April 7, 2026, at the TBM site in Manpada, Thane, in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar, along with Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik.

Weighing nearly 2,500 tonnes and measuring 13.34 metres in diameter, the TBM has been specially designed to handle Mumbai’s challenging geological conditions. It will be used to construct a 4.97-km tunnel connecting Dahisar and Kashigaon, forming a crucial link between Thane and Borivali.

The project is expected to significantly cut travel time between the two regions—from the current 60–90 minutes along the congested Ghodbunder Road to just around 15 minutes—providing major relief to commuters, particularly in the Mira-Bhayander belt.

Scheduled for completion by May 2028, the project also includes the development of connecting roads linking Borivali’s Western Express Highway with Thane’s Ghodbunder Road, further strengthening regional connectivity.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.