Mumbai is set for a landmark infrastructure overhaul in 2024, with five major projects poised to redefine connectivity and ease the city’s enduring traffic congestion. As the year progresses, Mumbai’s urban landscape will witness a significant transformation, with several mega projects nearing completion, from a state-of-the-art Metro line to the much-anticipated Navi Mumbai International Airport.
Leading this wave of development is Metro 3’s underground line, scheduled for an October opening. This phase will span from Aarey to Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), offering relief to the city’s overburdened suburban rail and congested road networks. With 10 new stations, including key transit points like T2 and Santacruz, the metro is expected to reduce travel times and congestion in critical corridors. Simultaneously, the new Vashi Creek Bridge, which is set to open this September, will double capacity by expanding the bridge to 12 lanes, matching the Sion-Panvel Highway’s throughput. This project promises to eliminate traffic bottlenecks that have plagued commuters for years.
The Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway’s Samruddhi Mahamarg will also be a game-changer, halving travel time between the two cities to just 8 hours. By October, 624 km of the expressway will be operational, marking a monumental leap in regional connectivity and economic integration. By the end of 2024, the Mumbai Coastal Road will be fully operational, providing a signal-free connection between Marine Drive and T2. This much-awaited infrastructure will not only improve travel times but also offer scenic routes that reflect Mumbai’s coastal identity. The integration with the Bandra-Worli Sea Link is expected to drive smoother traffic flow across key urban areas.
As 2025 approaches, the city will witness the launch of Navi Mumbai International Airport. Slated to open its first terminal by March, this new airport promises to alleviate the capacity strain at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. With the ability to handle up to 2 crore passengers annually, it will redefine air travel in the region, offering modern facilities and boosting Mumbai’s connectivity to global markets.
Further projects, including the extension of the Santacruz-Chembur Link Road (SCLR) and the opening of Metro 3’s Phase II, will continue to shape the city’s infrastructure landscape. These developments are not only critical for reducing congestion but also crucial for supporting the city’s growing population and economic aspirations. As Mumbai gears up for these transformative projects, the impact on daily commuting and the city’s global stature cannot be overstated. By 2025, the seamless integration of air, road, and metro networks will position Mumbai as a world-class urban centre, capable of meeting the challenges of its expanding population and economy.
