The Maharashtra Chief Minister has directed the fast-tracking of several key infrastructure projects across Mumbai and its metropolitan region, expressing concern over their slow pace. Chairing a high-level review meeting, the Chief Minister emphasised that crucial urban mobility projects — including the Thane–Borivali twin tunnel, Uttan–Virar Sea Link, and the Orange Gate–Marine Drive urban tunnel — must be completed within their scheduled timelines to ensure uninterrupted progress in the city’s transport expansion.
The review comes amid growing public attention on delayed large-scale works that are central to improving east-west and coastal connectivity in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Officials from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) were instructed to expedite execution and streamline inter-departmental coordination to avoid cost overruns and traffic disruptions. Highlighting the Airoli–Katai Naka Freeway as a transformative corridor that could reduce travel time to just 20 minutes, the Chief Minister directed MMRDA to immediately release funds for land acquisition. The freeway is seen as a vital link between Navi Mumbai and Kalyan-Dombivli, easing pressure on existing arterial roads.
The review also covered the 23.8-km Vadpe–Thane road under MSRDC’s development. According to officials, nearly 19 km of the corridor is already complete, with the remaining work targeted for completion by March 2026. Once operational, the stretch will strengthen last-mile connectivity to the Samruddhi Highway, supporting the state’s logistics and industrial corridors. Concern was also raised over the slow progress of the Bandra–Versova Sea Link, a key project designed to extend the city’s western coastal road network. The Chief Minister instructed the contractor to adopt advanced construction technologies to accelerate timelines and improve quality assurance. Similarly, the Mumbai civic body was urged to expedite land acquisition and resettlement work for residents affected by the Magathane–Goregaon Development Plan (DP) Road project.
Further, the Film City–Goregaon to Khindipada–Mulund double tunnel — aimed at improving connectivity between western suburbs and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport — was directed to be fast-tracked. The state also plans to phase completion of the Versova–Dahisar–Bhayandar Coastal Road by December 2028, following central clearance for saline land use. Urban mobility experts say the state’s renewed push reflects a growing focus on integrated, multimodal connectivity to support Mumbai’s transition towards sustainable transport. By aligning project timelines, technology use, and inter-agency coordination, Maharashtra aims to enhance urban efficiency while minimising ecological and social disruption across the region.
Also Read: Maharashtra Government To Appoint Expert Consultant For Mumbai Metro Line 11 Progress
