Mumbai is set for a sweeping transformation in urban mobility with the approval of the Metro-11 underground corridor, procurement of a new fleet of air-conditioned local trains, and fresh transport projects linking Thane, Navi Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur. Together, these initiatives mark one of the most ambitious infrastructure pushes in Maharashtra, aimed at creating a modern, climate-conscious transport ecosystem.
The 16-kilometre Metro-11 line will run fully underground between Wadala Depot and Gateway of India. Estimated at a cost of ₹24,000 crore, the corridor has secured financial backing from the Japan International Cooperation Agency. Passing through dense heritage and commercial districts including Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Chowk and Horniman Circle, the project is expected to redefine commuting patterns by offering a seamless connection to South Mumbai while significantly reducing road congestion. Urban transport experts underline that underground systems also have lower surface disruption, making them more sustainable for historic cityscapes.
Parallelly, a 25-kilometre elevated road has been cleared between Thane and Navi Mumbai International Airport. Designed to offer a fast, dedicated corridor for passengers and freight, the project is seen as critical for integrating Thane’s residential clusters with the new aviation hub. Officials note that the road will cut travel time drastically while reducing vehicular emissions by minimising idling traffic.
On the suburban rail front, approval has been granted for the procurement of 268 fully air-conditioned local trains under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project phases three and 3A. These modern trains will feature closed doors and metro-like facilities, gradually replacing ageing non-AC rakes. Authorities have assured commuters that fares will remain unchanged, keeping daily travel affordable. Transport analysts stress that AC trains will not only improve commuter comfort but also enhance energy efficiency by limiting power losses caused by open-door operations. Beyond Mumbai, the state’s infrastructure committee has cleared the construction of a third and fourth track along the Pune–Lonavala suburban corridor. This expansion will address surging passenger and freight demand, supporting industrial and residential growth in the Pune region. Pune Metro Phase-1 has also been extended with two new stations, Balajinagar–Bibwewadi and Swargate–Katraj, promising improved last-mile connectivity for a rapidly expanding city.
In Nagpur, approval for a new township and an outer ring road reflects a push to decentralise growth and reduce traffic pressure on the city core. Officials argue that such projects are not only about roads and trains but about reshaping urban landscapes to be greener, more inclusive, and economically vibrant. As India’s urban centres swell, these projects together underscore a critical shift in policy — prioritising integrated, climate-friendly transport solutions over piecemeal expansions. For Mumbai in particular, Metro-11 and the AC suburban trains are set to define the next chapter in making the city’s transport not just modern, but sustainable and equitable.
