How Maharashtra plans to beat traffic: Rs 22,611-crore metro and tunnel push gets nod

The Maharashtra Cabinet Infrastructure Committee has cleared transport infrastructure projects worth Rs 22,611 crore to improve connectivity and reduce congestion across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

The committee approved Rs 5,575 crore for the expansion of the Navi Mumbai Metro network, extending connectivity towards the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport.

The project will create a continuous 28-km metro corridor from Sagar Sangam to the airport through Line 1A and Line 2, improving public transport access in Navi Mumbai.

A total of 13 new stations have been proposed as part of the metro expansion, enhancing connectivity across key residential and commercial areas.

The metro expansion is expected to serve nearly 12 lakh passengers daily in the coming years, easing pressure on road networks.

The state has approved Rs 17,036 crore for the Ghodbunder Road–Bhayandar tunnel and elevated corridor project, which includes a six-lane tunnel from Gaimukh to Fountain Hotel.

The 14-metre-diameter tunnel and elevated corridor, designed for speeds of up to 100 kmph, aim to decongest Ghodbunder Road and improve connectivity between western Mumbai, Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli, Nashik, Panvel, NH-48 and Gujarat. (All images are used for representational purpose)