Twin Tunnels Begin. Mumbai's East-West Game-Changer Arrives.

<p>The Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR) project has entered a crucial tunnelling phase, with the first Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), 'Tulsi', already 64 metres into excavation beneath Sanjay Gandhi National Park as of late September 2026. The 5.3-km twin-tunnel project, connecting Goregaon East with Mulund West, is set for another major push as the second TBM, 'Vihar', reaches 92 per cent completion in assembly. This represents a watershed moment for one of Mumbai's most transformative infrastructure programs.</p>

<p>The twin tunnels will connect Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari in Goregaon East with Amar Nagar in Mulund West, creating a crucial east-west corridor while using advanced tunnelling technology to minimise impact on the park's environment and biodiversity. Each tunnel will extend 4.70 km, with a diameter of 14.20 metres along the parallel stretches and 13 metres within the SNGP area. Installation of the tunnels' ring-shaped concrete segments is now underway. So far, the 'Tulsi' TBM has excavated 64 metres and installed 27 permanent rings, along with two temporary rings to provide support during construction.</p>

<p>Officials state the project is targeted for completion by February 2029 and will improve east-west connectivity. Once operational, the 12.20-km GMLR is expected to transform east-west connectivity, ease congestion on Mumbai's arterial roads and provide a faster link from the western suburbs to Mulund, Thane and Navi Mumbai. Travel time is expected to drop from around 90 minutes to just 20 minutes, delivering significant savings in both time and fuel.</p>

<p>Once fully operational, the GMLR is expected to reduce travel time between Goregaon and Mulund from over 75 minutes to approximately 20–25 minutes—a reduction of nearly 67%. For homebuyers, this translates into meaningful lifestyle gains. Beyond the investment perspective, the quality of daily life improves meaningfully when commute times reduce by over an hour. Time saved on the road translates into time spent with family, pursuing hobbies, or simply resting.</p>

<p>Estimated at Rs 14,000 crore, the GMLR is designed as a straight east-west connector between Goregaon and Mulund, linking the western suburbs to the Eastern Express Highway along a 12.2-km corridor. The 6.62-km package includes 17 cross passages, twin-box tunnels and approach roads, along with state-of-the-art safety and operational systems such as Earth Pressure Balance (EPB), TBMs for excavation and the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) for constructing cross passages. The project will also feature mechanical ventilation, mist-based firefighting systems, CCTV surveillance, SCADA control systems, LED lighting and modern road signage.</p>

<p>Industry experts anticipate property value appreciation of approximately 12-15 percent post the completion of the project. The GMLR is expected to spur real estate activity in Mulund, Malad, Borivali, and Goregaon. With improved east-west connectivity, Mulund will attract homebuyers looking for better commute options to the western suburbs. The reduction in travel time will enhance its appeal for professionals working in Goregaon, Malad, and Andheri.</p>

<p>The most technically complex component, the twin tunnels beneath SGNP, has entered an active phase. The launching shafts at Goregaon have been fully excavated, and the massive Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) are currently being lowered into position using an 800-metric-ton crane. Boring is expected to commence in 2026, with the tunnel work targeted for completion by late 2028. With second TBM assembly 92% complete and commissioning expected by early Q4 2026, momentum is accelerating rapidly.</p>