FCC

Assembly begins for ‘Nayak’ TBM on Thane– Borivali Twin Tunnel Project

2025-07-03

The assembly of ‘Nayak’, the first of four Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) for the Thane–Borivali Twin Tube Tunnel Project, has commenced at the Thane site. Built by German firm Herrenknecht AG and deployed by Megha Engineering & Infrastructure (MEIL), the TBM marks a key milestone in Mumbai’s ambitious 11.8-km underground road corridor beneath Sanjay Gandhi National Park.

The twin tunnels will reduce the Thane–Borivali travel distance by 12 km and decongest Thane Ghodbunder Road. ‘Nayak’, with a 13.2-metre diameter, is designed to bore through challenging geological conditions using real-time monitoring, automated debris handling, and safety systems.

The project features a 10.25-km tunnel and 1.55-km junction with 2+2 lane carriageways, emergency lanes, and cross passages every 300 metres. Once complete, it will handle up to 50,000 passenger car units, significantly improving regional connectivity.