Thane Residents Force Realignment of Borivali-Thane Tunnel Exit, Preserve Peace of Mullabaug

Thane, 17th June 2025: In a landmark victory for citizen-led activism, residents of Mullabaug in Thane have successfully compelled authorities to shift the entry-exit alignment of the Borivali-Thane twin tunnel project, sparing their neighbourhood from noise, dust, and traffic chaos.

The tunnel, a key component of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority’s (MMRDA) mega infrastructure push, was initially set to surface in the heart of Mullabaug. However, following months of protests, political lobbying, and grassroots coordination, the MMRDA has announced the tunnel will now remain underground for an additional 200 metres and exit closer to Ghodbunder Road.

Deputy Chief Minister and MMRDA Chairman Eknath Shinde confirmed the realignment on June 10 during a meeting with residents, following a sustained movement that began as early as January this year. Residents first raised alarm after observing the arrival of machinery and tree cutting without any prior public hearing or transparency regarding the project’s local impact.

“When we discovered that the tunnel would emerge right in our backyards, it felt like betrayal,” said Madhuresh Singh, Chairman of Shree Satyashankar CHS. “It was clear no one intended to inform or consult us.”

Triggered by uncertainty and lack of official response, locals across multiple societies in Mullabaug formed a citizen group — Thane-Borivali Twin Tunnel: Project Affected People — to investigate, mobilise and coordinate action. They raised health and environmental concerns, citing declining air quality due to the early construction activity.

Despite repeated appeals, the MMRDA remained unresponsive, prompting the residents to approach Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske. When communication stalled again, hundreds of residents took to the streets in April with a protest march demanding an underground alignment.

“Peace, clean air, and greenery were the reasons we chose this locality,” said Mahavir Rajpurohit of Neelkanth Greens. “We are not opposing development, but we won’t allow it to bulldoze our lives.”

A formal 33-member residents’ committee was set up, but tensions spiked again after reports emerged about a proposed muck disposal plan involving conveyor belts and truck movement through the area. The plan was deemed “unacceptable” by residents and intensified their resolve.

The turning point came with interventions from political leaders. Mhaske pushed for meetings with top officials, and NCP-SP MLA Jitendra Awhad visited the site on June 8, pledging support in the legislative assembly. Two days later, residents were invited to meet with Shinde, who finally announced the revised alignment—keeping the tunnel underground well past Mullabaug.

On Sunday, the community celebrated their win but vowed to remain vigilant. “This isn’t the end. We’ll keep an eye on the underground works and fight for the restoration of every tree lost,” said Pallavi Shet, a resident of Cosmos Lounge.

“This movement is a model for citizen action,” said MP Mhaske. “Development is essential, but not by disregarding those who live around it.”

With over 15,000 residents mobilised, the Mullabaug protest stands as a defining example of how organised, well-informed communities can influence even multi-crore infrastructure projects—balancing progress with local wellbeing.