Maharashtra CM Fadnavis Flags Off Key Projects to Boost Mumbai Connectivity, Ease Congestion

Last Updated:April 07, 2026, 20:39 IST

Mumbai launches Metro Line 9 stretch, speeds up Metro 2B, pod taxi in BKC and Borivali Thane tunnel to boost east west and north south connectivity and ease congestion.

Mumbai on Tuesday took a decisive step towards easing its long-standing transport bottlenecks, with the launch and acceleration of four major infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity across the city. In the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, projects including Metro Line 9, Metro Line 2B, a pod taxi system, and the Borivali-Thane tunnel were either inaugurated or pushed into faster execution.

A key highlight was the operationalisation of a stretch of Mumbai Metro Line 9, connecting Dahisar East to Kashigaon. This corridor is expected to strengthen suburban connectivity, particularly for commuters travelling between Mumbai and the extended western suburbs. Alongside, work on Mumbai Metro Line 2B gathered momentum. The line will run from Maharashtra Nagar–Mandale to Diamond Garden in Chembur, linking crucial eastern and western corridors. Speaking at the launch, Fadnavis said the project would be completed in phases — five stations in the first stage, followed by six and eight stations in subsequent phases — ultimately creating seamless east-west and north-south connectivity.

Importantly, Metro 2B will be the first corridor to integrate with the Harbour Line, improving multimodal connectivity and potentially reducing pressure on Mumbai’s overburdened suburban railway network. Officials highlighted that the stations are designed to maximise natural sunlight, reducing energy consumption. A major metro depot at Mandale, with 72 lines, has also been developed and will double up as a training facility.

Fadnavis reiterated that the broader vision, first outlined in 2016-17, was to enable travel across Mumbai within an hour. Once the full metro network is operational, nearly 70 lakh commuters are expected to shift to metro services, easing congestion on local trains and roads.The government also pushed forward the ambitious pod taxi project, designed to improve last-mile connectivity in Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC). The elevated system will carry up to six passengers per pod and operate on demand. Authorities aim to complete the project within 20 months. Additionally, integration plans linking BKC with the coastal road and upcoming tunnels are expected to significantly reduce travel time and traffic congestion in key commercial hubs.

With parallel investments in road infrastructure, including the coastal road and tunnel networks, the state government is positioning Mumbai to become one of the most accessible and commuter-friendly cities in the country.

News india Maharashtra CM Fadnavis Flags Off Key Projects to Boost Mumbai Connectivity, Ease Congestion

Read More