Mumbai is moving closer to a major upgrade in multimodal urban mobility as the Mahalaxmi Multimodal Connectivity Project enters its final construction phase. Designed to integrate suburban rail, Metro Line 3 and the Mumbai Monorail through India’s first travelator-equipped pedestrian skywalk, the project is expected to significantly reduce interchange time while encouraging greater use of public transport across the metropolitan region. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has completed nearly 90 per cent of the Mahalaxmi Multimodal Connectivity Project, a ₹60-crore initiative that aims to eliminate one of the city’s busiest interchange bottlenecks. The project will establish a direct pedestrian connection between Mahalaxmi suburban railway station, Metro Line 3 and the Sant Gadge Maharaj Chowk Monorail station, allowing passengers to transfer between three major transit systems without navigating congested roads.
At the heart of the project is India’s first travelator-equipped skywalk, measuring 283 metres in length and 11 metres in width. The elevated walkway has been designed to accommodate approximately 4,500 passengers every hour and includes six travelators spanning a combined distance of 176 metres. Passenger lifts have also been incorporated to improve accessibility for senior citizens, persons with disabilities and travellers carrying luggage, reinforcing the project’s people-first mobility approach. Urban transport experts believe the Mahalaxmi Multimodal Connectivity Project represents a significant shift in infrastructure planning, where seamless passenger movement is prioritised alongside network expansion. Rather than focusing solely on building new transport corridors, cities are increasingly investing in efficient interchange infrastructure that reduces walking distances, shortens transfer times and improves the overall attractiveness of public transport. The project also demonstrates the engineering complexity of delivering infrastructure within Mumbai’s dense urban environment.
Construction required the relocation of major underground stormwater infrastructure while ensuring uninterrupted operation of existing water supply and sewerage networks. Project execution was coordinated to minimise disruption to traffic movement and local community activities, highlighting the growing importance of integrated planning in infrastructure delivery. Officials have indicated that construction was completed without removing mature trees, reflecting increasing efforts to incorporate environmental considerations into urban transport projects. Sustainable design measures such as preserving green cover and improving walkability are becoming increasingly important as Mumbai seeks to balance infrastructure expansion with climate resilience and improved urban liveability. Once operational, the integrated interchange is expected to reduce passenger transfer times by nearly 20 minutes while strengthening connectivity between south Mumbai, central business districts and emerging residential and commercial corridors served by Metro Line 3 and the Monorail. Improved interchange efficiency could also encourage greater use of public transport, reducing dependence on private vehicles and helping lower congestion and transport-related emissions.
As Mumbai continues expanding its metro and suburban rail network, multimodal integration is expected to become a defining element of future transport planning. The Mahalaxmi project illustrates how pedestrian-first infrastructure can enhance accessibility, improve commuter experience and support a more connected, sustainable and resilient urban mobility system.
