The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has unveiled an ambitious plan to construct a multi-modal vehicular tunnel network across Mumbai, aimed at decongesting surface traffic and enhancing connectivity between the island city and its suburbs. The initiative marks a significant push towards modernising the city’s transport infrastructure while adopting sustainable and eco-friendly urban development practices.
According to officials, the proposed project comprises six interlinked tunnels, each designed to run beneath existing roadways and arterial routes. These tunnels will connect the eastern and western suburbs and integrate with major corridors such as the Goregaon–Mulund Link Road and the Mumbai Coastal Road (Phases 1 and 2). By providing alternate underground routes, the network is expected to alleviate surface congestion, particularly during peak hours when vehicular density reaches critical levels. Each tunnel will feature state-of-the-art ventilation systems, digital signage, LED lighting, dedicated service lanes, and multiple access routes to ensure smooth vehicular movement. The BMC has initiated a tendering process, following which a detailed feasibility study will determine the optimal construction methods. Experts say the tunnels will not only improve travel efficiency but also reduce vehicular emissions by limiting idle time on surface roads, contributing to Mumbai’s sustainable urban mobility goals.
The total project cost has been estimated at Rs 43.9 billion, with individual tunnels projected at Rs 7.3 billion each. Officials emphasised that the tunnel network is part of a broader master plan to meet the city’s growing transportation demand and prepare for future traffic expansion. “With Mumbai’s vehicular population rising, alternate routes and underground corridors are essential to maintain efficiency and connectivity across the metropolitan region,” said a senior BMC official overseeing the project. Urban planning analysts note that this initiative could serve as a model for other megacities facing similar traffic challenges. The tunnels’ integration with existing arterial roads will reduce travel times, improve access to key business districts, and enhance overall commuter experience. Additionally, the underground network is expected to support emergency response vehicles and public transport services, increasing resilience during peak congestion or city-wide events.
From a sustainability perspective, officials have highlighted that the project will incorporate energy-efficient lighting, automated monitoring systems, and eco-conscious construction practices to minimise environmental impact. Such measures align with the city’s broader zero-carbon and climate-adaptive urban infrastructure goals, reflecting a commitment to gender-neutral and equitable urban planning. While the project is still in its preliminary phase, urban transport experts and civic planners consider it a strategic step toward transforming Mumbai’s mobility landscape. The successful execution of this Rs 44 billion investment could redefine urban travel, reduce surface traffic bottlenecks, and support the city’s long-term vision for efficient, eco-friendly, and resilient infrastructure.
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