Thane Residents Celebrate Victory as Borivli Tunnel Entry Realigned for Improved Access

In a major victory for the residents of Mullabaug in Thane, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has agreed to realign the Thane-end entry and exit points for the twin tunnel highway leading to Borivli. The new plan, which involves a covered route at a depth of five meters, promises to bypass the densely populated cluster of high-rise buildings in the area, ensuring minimal disruption to local residents and improved traffic flow.

The revised realignment plan was given an in-principle approval by Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister and MMRDA Chairman, Eknath Shinde, following a meeting with MMRDA officials on Tuesday. According to the authorities, fresh surveys will be conducted to finalize the alignment, although it is anticipated that the project cost will increase due to these changes.

Resident Protest Forces Change in the Plan

The original plan for the Borivli tunnel's exit point caused a great deal of concern for residents of nearby housing societies, including Cosmos Lounge, Neelkanth Greens, Neelkanth Woods, The Verraton, and Shree Satya Shankar. The residents, under the banner of Mullabaug Project Affected People, had voiced their strong opposition to the initial alignment, which would have routed the tunnel’s exit directly through their "tranquil neighborhood."

This plan stoked fears of increased traffic congestion and pollution, prompting several protests. In April, the residents staged demonstrations and submitted representations to local officials, including Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske and NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad. The protests, along with media coverage by the Times of India, ultimately brought attention to their concerns, leading to the revised plan.

Realignment Offers Relief for Locals

The new alignment, which shifts the tunnel entry and exit 200 meters towards the boundary wall of the Shree Satya Shankar society, closer to the Ghodbunder Highway, promises significant relief for the locals. The realignment aims to reduce the negative impact on residential areas while still facilitating easy access to the Borivli highway.

“This realignment will bring much-needed relief from traffic congestion for locals,” said Eknath Shinde following a meeting with MMRDA, municipal corporation officials, and resident delegations in Mumbai.

The updated plan involves the tunnel’s entry and exit points being placed underground until they are well beyond the residential zone, about 50 meters past the Shree Satya Shankar society compound wall. The road will remain approximately five meters underground, and either the cut-and-cover method or box tunneling will be used to ensure smooth construction.

A Thorough Evaluation and Comprehensive Planning

To ensure the best possible outcome, MMRDA officials evaluated 12 alternative routes before finalizing the new alignment. A detailed route map and revised cost estimates will be released at a later stage, keeping the residents and stakeholders informed.

“We are pleased that the key demands raised by the Mullabaug Project Affected People have been addressed,” said Nitin Singh, a resident of one of the affected societies. He expressed his appreciation for the changes, noting the importance of balancing development and the welfare of the residents.

Conclusion: A Step Forward in Responsible Urban Planning

This decision marks a positive shift in urban development planning, as it reflects the authorities' willingness to listen to the concerns of residents and adapt their plans accordingly. The Thane-end realignment of the Borivli tunnel is a clear example of how public infrastructure projects can evolve to meet the needs of the community, ensuring that development does not come at the cost of residents' well-being. With the revised plan in place, residents can now look forward to better accessibility and reduced environmental impact, all while preserving the integrity of their neighborhood.

As MMRDA moves forward with the realignment, the positive response from residents highlights the importance of collaborative planning and the power of community engagement in shaping a sustainable future.