On Tuesday, 9th June, the Maharashtra government approved major infrastructure projects worth ₹22,611 crore in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), giving a significant boost to road and metro connectivity in and around Mumbai. The approvals were granted at a meeting of the Cabinet Infrastructure Committee chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
The biggest share of the approved funds, around ₹17,036 crore, has been allocated for a new tunnel and elevated road project connecting Thane and Bhayandar. Another ₹5,575 crore has been sanctioned for the expansion of the Navi Mumbai Metro network.
Maharashtra clears ₹22,611cr Transport push. Metro, tunnel projects to ease MMR traffic @Dev_Fadnavis#Maharashtra #DevendraFadnavis #InfrastructureDevelopment pic.twitter.com/OoKrszH34I
— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) June 10, 2026
New tunnel and elevated road to ease traffic
Under the project, a 5.86-kilometre six-lane tunnel will be built between Gaimukh and Fountain Hotel on Ghodbunder Road. In addition, a 9.58-kilometre six-lane elevated road will connect Fountain Hotel with Bhayandar.
According to the government, the project has been planned to reduce heavy traffic congestion on Ghodbunder Road and improve travel between western Mumbai and important destinations such as Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli, Nashik, Panvel and National Highway 48.
The tunnel will be constructed using Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) technology and will have a diameter of 14 metres. Officials have set a target of completing the tunnel within about five years.
The elevated corridor, which will run alongside Vasai Creek, is expected to support vehicle speeds of up to 100 kilometres per hour. Authorities believe the new route will divert a large portion of traffic, especially heavy vehicles travelling towards Thane and Gujarat, thereby reducing pressure on existing roads.
The project will be developed under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model through a public-private partnership. Both the Central and Maharashtra governments will provide viability gap funding to support its execution.
The Cabinet committee has also approved the appointment of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) as the special planning authority for the project area.
Navi Mumbai metro expansion gets green signal
In another major decision, the committee approved two important extensions of the Navi Mumbai Metro network being developed by CIDCO.
The first project involves Metro Line 1A between Sagar Sangam and CBD Belapur, while the second is Metro Line 2 connecting Pendhar with Terminal 4 of the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport.
Once completed, the two projects will create a continuous 28-kilometre metro corridor stretching from Sagar Sangam to the new international airport.
The expansion will add two stations on Metro Line 1A and eleven stations on Metro Line 2. According to the government, the extended network is expected to serve nearly 12 lakh passengers every day in the coming years.
Focus on faster project delivery
The approvals come shortly after the Maharashtra government introduced stricter norms for clearing major infrastructure projects. The move followed concerns over delays and rising costs in several large projects across the state.
Officials say the newly approved road and metro projects are expected to improve connectivity, reduce travel time and support the growing transportation needs of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
