The Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR) Phase three (B) project has reached a key milestone as the first tunnel boring machine (TBM) began excavation of the first of two tunnels beneath the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP). The machine, named Tulsi, started cutting a five point three kilometre bore that will link Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari in Goregaon East with Amar Nagar in Mulund West. Officials issued a statement noting the commencement of tunnelling work under the protected green belt. The twin tunnels are being constructed using mechanised tunnelling methods that aim to limit surface disturbance in sensitive areas. Engineers will operate the TBM continuously from a launch shaft and remove excavated material through a controlled logistics chain, the statement added. The work forms part of the Phase three (B) contract that carries technical complexity due to geological conditions and the requirement to preserve park ecology. A senior Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) official reviewed progress on site and examined construction arrangements, oversight systems and safety measures. The official directed teams to maintain strict compliance with environmental safeguards and to coordinate with relevant agencies for monitoring and mitigation. Project managers outlined arrangements for ventilation, lining and spoil disposal as part of the tunnelling plan. The authorities consider the subterranean link critical to improving east-west connectivity across northern Mumbai and to provide an alternative route that reduces pressure on surface roads. The scheme continues following regulatory clearances and standard project management timelines while teams focus on stable tunnelling advance beneath the forested corridor. Officials reiterated that the work will proceed under close supervision to balance infrastructure delivery and ecological protection. Monitoring will be sustained throughout the operation.