Mumbai is set to explore a transformative solution to its chronic traffic congestion, with the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation Ltd. (MRVC) commissioning a detailed feasibility study for underground suburban rail corridors. The study aims to enhance commuter efficiency while unlocking high-value railway land in South Mumbai for potential sustainable development.
According to MRVC officials, the initiative will focus on key suburban stretches, including the 5 km Churchgate–Mumbai Central corridor, one of the city’s busiest links. By moving this segment underground, authorities hope to reduce surface congestion and free up critical land parcels for urban redevelopment. The plan also includes a separate study for two additional suburban lines connecting CSMT and Parel, spanning approximately 8 km. An interchange hub is proposed at Byculla, designed entirely on railway-owned land to avoid private acquisitions, streamlining both construction and project approvals.
Urban transport experts highlighted that Mumbai’s suburban rail network operates at overcapacity during peak hours. Underground development could significantly improve operational reliability and commuter experience while providing the city with much-needed space for green, mixed-use urban projects. The feasibility study will draw insights from global metro systems in cities such as New York, London, and Tokyo, which have successfully integrated underground and surface rail corridors. MRVC will evaluate tunnel designs, comparing twin-bore with multiple single-bore configurations to determine the most efficient and safest construction approach. Construction techniques, safety protocols, and logistical challenges will also be assessed.
Financial viability is central to the study, with a comprehensive cost–benefit analysis planned to ensure long-term economic sustainability. Officials stressed that the initiative aligns with Mumbai’s broader urban vision, fostering a zero-carbon, gender-neutral, and equitable transport system while enhancing connectivity across suburban and central corridors. The project, currently in its planning and assessment phase, could redefine Mumbai’s approach to urban mobility and land utilisation. MRVC officials emphasised that phased implementation would follow once the technical, financial, and regulatory frameworks are in place, signalling a forward-looking strategy to tackle congestion and promote sustainable city growth.
By moving critical suburban stretches underground, Mumbai aims to address its dual challenge of commuter overload and scarce urban space, reflecting an ambitious effort to build a future-ready, eco-friendly, and efficient transport ecosystem in India’s financial capital.
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