Major Infrastructure Projects Set for Mumbai Pune and Nagpur
The Maharashtra state government has outlined an ambitious vision for infrastructural growth in its 2025-26 budget, with a strong focus on metro expansion and transport connectivity in Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur. The state’s finance and planning authorities presented the budget with a vision to enhance urban mobility, create more sustainable infrastructure, and bolster connectivity within key urban centres.
A major portion of the budget has been allocated to the ongoing metro projects in Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur, which are central to the state’s public transport strategy. Currently, 143.57 km of metro lines are operational, serving over a million passengers daily. This is expected to increase with an additional 64.4 km of metro lines set to open next year, including 41.2 km in Mumbai and 23.2 km in Pune. In the next five years, the metro network will extend to 237.5 km, significantly improving access and mobility for urban residents.
The first phase of Nagpur Metro, spanning 40 km, has already been completed, with the second phase in full swing. This extension, set to cost Rs 6,708 crore, will cover 43.8 km and is expected to serve as a vital link for the city’s residents. The Maharashtra government has also made strides in securing approvals for metro extensions, including the Thane Circular Metro Line and the Swargate-Katraj Extension Line in Pune. Additionally, the state has put forward a proposal for Pune Metro Rail Phase-2, covering multiple key routes.
In terms of air connectivity, the much-anticipated Navi Mumbai International Airport is nearing completion, expected to handle 90 million passengers annually. The airport is slated to begin domestic operations in April 2025, further enhancing the region’s transport infrastructure. To ease road congestion, the state has also expedited work on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway’s missing link on the Khopoli-Khandala Ghat stretch, slated for completion by August 2025.
These initiatives, combined with new road projects such as the Thane coastal road and the airport road connectivity plan, are poised to transform the state’s infrastructure landscape. As the metro system and transport projects take shape, Maharashtra’s commitment to sustainable development, efficiency, and eco-friendly transit options underscores the state’s dedication to creating a future-ready urban environment.
