Mumbai is taking a significant leap toward seamless intermodal urban transport with the planning of a dedicated underground pedestrian connector linking the upcoming bullet train terminal at Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) with the existing BKC Metro 3 station. The proposed infrastructure aims to offer passengers swift and hassle-free transfers between two of the city’s most ambitious mobility systems, reducing reliance on road-based interchanges and improving last-mile connectivity.
The tunnel, envisioned as a 1.3-kilometre-long underground passage, will help commuters travelling on the high-speed Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train easily access Mumbai Metro Line 3 without navigating the city’s congested surface roads. Designed to be built at a depth of 12 metres, the connector will partially run beneath the Vakola Nallah, which intersects BKC’s road network. It will use the “push box” construction method, a globally accepted engineering solution for building subterranean infrastructure with minimal surface disruption. Urban transport officials involved in the planning process confirmed that the project is being jointly coordinated by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL) and the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL), the nodal agencies responsible for the bullet train and Metro Line 3 respectively. A key structural feature—known as a “knockout wall” measuring 7 metres by 7 metres—has already been factored into the BKC bullet train station design. This pre-engineered wall can be dismantled once the tunnel is ready, allowing direct access between the two systems without retrofitting complications.
The need for such a connector was reinforced during recent stakeholder discussions held in early July. Experts pointed out that although the bullet train and Metro 3 stations are geographically located within BKC, the lack of a seamless, walkable connection would otherwise force passengers to disembark, exit, and re-enter another metro station or use feeder services—often while carrying luggage. This inefficient interchange could deter ridership, undermining the city’s long-term objective of promoting sustainable mass transit. Transport planners believe this underground passage can shift a significant volume of bullet train users away from road transport modes, thus reducing vehicular load on already overburdened city streets. By enabling smooth interchange at the Metro 3 and bullet train interface, Mumbai is aligning its transport planning with global standards, similar to intermodal hubs in Tokyo, London, and Paris that allow pedestrians to move between trains, subways, and buses without friction.
Although the tunnel promises considerable benefits in terms of traffic decongestion, safety, and time-saving, some challenges remain. One critical question is whether travelators—automated moving walkways—will be included in the final plan. Given the 1.3 km distance and the likelihood that passengers will be hauling luggage, such an amenity would significantly improve accessibility, especially for the elderly, people with disabilities, and those with children. In addition to the proposed connector to Metro Line 3, the BKC bullet train terminal is also slated to have a link to the BKC Diamond Market station on Metro Line 2B. This cross-line integration further enhances the zone’s status as a key multimodal transit hub in Mumbai’s rapidly evolving transport ecosystem.
Officials familiar with the plan stated that the connector will be designed in line with green building and universal design principles, ensuring energy efficiency, ventilation, and barrier-free access. These features are essential to Mumbai’s goal of building sustainable infrastructure that not only reduces emissions but also promotes equity and inclusivity in public transport. While the connector project is still in its early proposal stage, it reflects a larger shift in infrastructure thinking. Mumbai’s approach now prioritises interconnectivity and commuter comfort over standalone mega-projects. This tunnel, when executed, will be among the first pedestrian connectors in India to link a high-speed rail terminus directly to a metro system—an engineering and urban design milestone.
Furthermore, as cities across India gear up for climate resilience and net-zero carbon goals, such transit-oriented developments are critical. By encouraging more commuters to take public transport for door-to-door journeys—without switching to taxis or private vehicles midway—the tunnel could contribute to reducing Mumbai’s urban carbon footprint over time. Urban mobility experts have welcomed the initiative but cautioned that timelines, budgets, and design clarity will be crucial. “This is a positive move, but it must be executed on schedule with transparency. Travelators, air conditioning, and security will make the difference between a world-class experience and a tedious underpass,” said one expert associated with transport integration planning.
Currently, the metro and bullet train networks are in various stages of completion, with Metro Line 3 slated to become operational in phases and the bullet train expected to commence partial operations by the end of 2026. Integration works such as this connector tunnel must be planned in synchrony to prevent misalignment between opening dates of the linked infrastructure. Despite the planning challenges, this initiative represents a crucial step in Mumbai’s vision of modern, sustainable mobility. It also aligns with the broader national strategy of developing efficient, multi-modal transport systems in urban India that are capable of meeting future population and climate demands.
In the coming months, further technical assessments, feasibility reports, and stakeholder consultations are expected before construction begins. But as plans advance, the city is inching closer to a future where high-speed travel and local urban mobility are stitched together in a way that is convenient, green, and equitable for all.
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