AI-generated image made for this guide; not a photograph of the Thane-Borivali tunnel.
Quick answer: the Thane-Borivali tunnel is under construction and is not open to traffic. MMRDA’s planned route links the Mulla Baug area of Ghodbunder Road in Thane with the Magathane area near the Western Express Highway in Borivali, beneath Sanjay Gandhi National Park. MMRDA reported 13.73% physical progress through August 2026. The projected 15 minute journey covers the Thane-Borivali stretch. If you start in Airoli, reaching the Thane approach is a separate leg.
Where the tunnel is planned to start and end
MMRDA’s detailed project report (project report) shows the route running from the Mulla Baug junction area on Ghodbunder Road in Thane to the Magathane junction area near the Western Express Highway in Borivali. These are planned approach areas, not confirmed tunnel mouths, entrances or navigation points. The tunnel passes beneath Sanjay Gandhi National Park, according to the Free Press Journal (report of 3 November 2025). MMRDA’s project page (MMRDA twin tube tunnel page) splits the work into two packages, with Package 2 on the Thane side and Package 1 on the Borivali side, and does not name exact portal locations.
Length and design
| Item | MMRDA figure |
|---|---|
| Total project length | 11.84 km |
| Tunnel | 10.25 km |
| Connector | 1.59 km |
| Lanes | Two traffic lanes plus one emergency lane in each tube |
| Emergency cross-passages | Every 300 m, linking the two tubes |
| Cost | Rs 18,838 crore including interest during construction; administrative approval was Rs 16,600.40 crore on 10 March 2023 |
The project is 11.84 km long, including 10.25 km of tunnel and 1.59 km of connector. You will also see it rounded to 11.8 km in news reports.
Is it open? Where construction stands
- Source checked: 11 November 2026.
- Physical progress reported through August 2026: 13.73%, according to MMRDA. Financial progress reported through July 2026: 13.13%. These are measurements from those months, not a November construction update.
- Thane side: MMRDA records TBM Nayak launched on 7 April 2026 and TBM Arjuna on 13 August 2026, with tunnelling in progress from the Thane side.
- Borivali side: MMRDA records that TBM-03 passed its factory acceptance test on 29 May 2026. That update does not confirm its launch from Borivali.
- Contractor: Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd, appointed in May 2023, with work starting on 19 May 2023.
- Schedule: the project page lists a 60 month completion period. It does not give an opening date, so treat any year you read in news coverage as a target and not a confirmed date.
We will update this page when MMRDA publishes a new figure.
What the 15 minute claim means
MMRDA says the Thane to Borivali trip by Ghodbunder Road is about 23 km and takes 1 to 1.5 hours now, and that the tunnel would cut it to about 15 minutes. That is a projection for the stretch between Thane and Borivali. It is not an Airoli to Borivali or Vashi to Borivali time, because you would first need to reach the Thane approach and would still travel the roads beyond the Borivali end. Do not plan a trip around 15 minutes until the tunnel opens and the journey has been measured.
What it changes for Navi Mumbai
- It only changes the Thane to Borivali part of a journey. It does not shorten the way from Navi Mumbai to Thane.
- Nothing about today’s route changes until the tunnel opens. To check current traffic notices and diversions, see our Navi Mumbai traffic guide.
- A different project, the elevated road from Thane towards the airport, is covered in our Thane to Navi Mumbai airport elevated corridor guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Thane Borivali tunnel open?
No. MMRDA reported 13.73% physical progress through August 2026, with tunnelling in progress from the Thane side.
Where does the Thane Borivali tunnel start and end?
MMRDA’s project report shows the planned route running from the Mulla Baug area of Ghodbunder Road in Thane to the Magathane area near the Western Express Highway in Borivali, beneath Sanjay Gandhi National Park. These are approach areas, not confirmed tunnel mouths or navigation points.
How long is the tunnel?
The project is 11.84 km long, including 10.25 km of tunnel and 1.59 km of connector.
When will it open?
MMRDA lists a 60 month completion period and has not given an opening date on its project page. Treat any year in news coverage as a target.
How long will the journey take?
MMRDA says about 15 minutes between Thane and Borivali, against 1 to 1.5 hours by Ghodbunder Road now. That is not a door to door time from Navi Mumbai.
How much will it cost?
MMRDA lists Rs 18,838 crore including interest during construction. Administrative approval was Rs 16,600.40 crore in March 2023.
Sources
| Point | Source |
|---|---|
| Length, lanes, cost, progress, machines, contractor, completion period, journey times | MMRDA, Twin Tube Tunnel between Thane and Borivali |
| Planned approach areas at Mulla Baug and Magathane | MMRDA detailed project report |
| Passing beneath Sanjay Gandhi National Park, excavation status in November 2025 | Free Press Journal, 3 November 2025 |
Checked 11 November 2026. This page will be updated when MMRDA publishes new progress figures.
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