Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday imposed a three-year deadline for all major infrastructure projects across the state and accordingly, announced that the ambitious Borivali-Thane Twin Tunnel Project will be completed by December 2028.
The directive came during a high-level review meeting attended by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and senior officials at the Cabinet Hall in Vidhan Bhavan.
Fadnavis emphasised that timely completion of the projects and permanent rehabilitation of the affected persons must be a top priority.
The twin tunnel — stretching 11.84 kilometres through the Sanjay Gandhi National Park — will significantly reduce the current one-one-and-a-half-hour travel time between Borivali and Thane to just 15 minutes.
The CM directed the authorities concerned to ensure proper air circulation systems within the tunnel and expedite second-phase forest clearances and night-time construction permissions. He also stressed the need for swift land acquisition from Adani and Tata Power, and the granting of final approvals for underground electric line routes.
A special one-month rehabilitation drive was also ordered for project-affected persons on the Borivali side. The government plans to either provide rent compensation or relocate the project-affected residents through housing schemes, with a dedicated officer appointed to oversee progress.
MMRDA Commissioner Dr Sanjay Mukherjee presented the project details at the meeting, which was also attended by Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik, Brihanmumbai Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, civic commissioners as well as officials from the forest department, Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), and Thane district.
The Rs 12,057 crore Borivali-Thane Twin Tunnel project is aimed at easing traffic congestion, reducing 1.4 lakh metric tonnes of carbon emissions annually, and boosting regional connectivity.
On June 15, mid-day.com reported that the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) had initiated the rehabilitation process for the project-affected families. An official statement said on Sunday, “Around 572 informal homes in areas such as Rupvate Nagar, Milind Nagar, Pharlewadi, SRA projects, and nearby footpaths in the Magathane region will be impacted.”
It said that to ensure smooth progress of the project, MMRDA is offering three resettlement options to project-affected families (PAPs). All families have been asked to submit their preferred option in writing.
Three resettlement choices for affected families-
1- Monetary compensation
Eligible families can receive financial compensation based on the size of their current homes, as per MMRDA’s policy.
2- Permanent housing
MMRDA will provide ready-to-move flats either at the Borivali Integrated Housing Complex or in the Rental Housing Scheme at Mira-Bhayander. These homes are built by M/s. Gujarat and M/s. Sonam Enterprises.
3- Rehabilitation under SRA scheme
Families can also choose to be part of a Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) project by M/s. Bhardwaj Developers. In this case, they will get new homes at the same site after redevelopment. Until then, temporary housing will be arranged.
