The Maharashtra government approved infrastructure projects worth ₹22,611 crore on Tuesday, marking a significant push to improve connectivity across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). According to reports from NDTV, the approvals were granted by the Cabinet Infrastructure Committee, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at Mantralaya. The projects are designed to make transportation faster, more efficient and commuter-friendly in the region.
The largest component of the approved projects involves a ₹17,036 crore investment for a six-lane tunnel and elevated corridor system. As reported by NDTV, the tunnel will connect Gaimukh to Fountain Hotel, while the elevated corridor will run from Fountain Hotel to Bhayandar. The six-lane, 5.86-km underground tunnel will be constructed between Gaimukh and Fountain Hotel on Ghodbunder Road, while a six-lane, 9.58-km elevated corridor will connect Fountain Hotel and Bhayandar. The 14-metre diameter tunnel will be constructed using Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) technology and is expected to be completed in approximately five years. The elevated corridor, running parallel to Vasai Creek, will facilitate traffic movement at speeds of up to 100 kmph. The committee also approved the appointment of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) as the special planning authority for the project area.
The project aims to decongest the heavily burdened Ghodbunder Road and provide an alternative route for traffic heading towards Thane and Gujarat. According to NDTV, the project is expected to improve connectivity between western Mumbai and Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli, Nashik, Panvel and National Highway-48. Officials said the project will divert a substantial volume of traffic, particularly heavy vehicles travelling towards Thane and Gujarat, thereby reducing pressure on existing road networks. The project will be implemented under the public-private partnership (PPP) model on a build-operate-transfer (BOT) basis, with viability gap funding from the Centre and the state government.
The committee also approved ₹5,575 crore for Navi Mumbai Metro Line 1A and Line 2 expansion. As reported by NDTV, Line 1A will connect Sagar Sangam and CBD Belapur, while Line 2 will link Pendhar with the Navi Mumbai International Airport Terminal-4. The expansion will create a continuous 28-km metro corridor from Sagar Sangam to the airport and include 13 new stations, comprising two on Line 1A and 11 on Line 2. The extended metro network is expected to cater to nearly 12 lakh passengers daily in the coming years. Chief Minister Fadnavis expressed confidence that the projects would make transportation in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region faster, smoother and more efficient while supporting the region's long-term economic growth.
