Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister stated, “We have just launched the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) of Borivali Twin Tunnel from Thane. It is a country’s engineering marvel. At present, it takes 23 kilometres to get to Borivali from Thane, and it takes about 2 to 5 hours. But this tunnel will complete it in just 11.84, that is 12 kilometres, and we will be able to go from Thane to Borivali and from Borivali to Thane in 15 minutes instead of 2 hours. This twin tunnel is also an engineering marvel because it goes under the Sanjay Gandhi National Park all the way. New technology has been used in this, due to which this national park and its biodiversity will not be harmed.”

He added that the project will be the longest and deepest urban tunnel in India. “The tunnels that will be prepared will be the longest urban tunnels in the country, and will be the deepest urban tunnels in the country. Each tunnel will have three lanes, two lanes effective and one lane emergency, and three lanes will be in each tunnel. Because of this, there will never be any traffic jam in the tunnel,” he said.

Fadnavis also mentioned that the tunnels would feature advanced firefighting, ventilation, and signage systems. He praised the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority’s (MMRDA) design and confirmed that all necessary permissions have been obtained. “Tunnels have the most modern firefighting system, ventilation system, signage system; all these things, I think, are the most advanced tunnels. And especially, I want to congratulate MMRDA, they have designed it very well. All permissions have been received. The Prime Minister did the bhoomipujan virtually. Today, with the launch of the shaft, here with the launch of the TBM, I think it will get a lot of momentum. Our plan is to complete this by May 2028,” he stated.

The Chief Minister also lauded Mega Engineering, the company appointed to construct the tunnel. “Mega Engineering, which is a well-known company in the country and has completed many challenging tunnels in the country, has received this task, and we believe that they will complete this task in due time. I am very happy today that the work on a unique twin tunnel in the country is starting today, and I congratulate everyone on that. I wish all the engineers and personnel working here stay safe, keep people safe and work fast,” he added.

Earlier on the same day, CM Devendra Fadnavis, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar, flagged off Metro Line 9: Dahisar (East) to Kashigaon (Phase-1).