The Maharashtra government has announced a massive underground tunnel project that promises to transform travel in Mumbai. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has started preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for an ambitious 70-kilometre integrated tunnel road network. This project, described as a “major leap” in Mumbai’s infrastructure, aims to ease traffic congestion, reduce travel time, and make commuting faster and smoother for millions of Mumbaikars.
The proposed tunnel system will act as the third mode of urban transport in the city, complementing the existing road and metro networks. It will connect key areas such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai Coastal Road, Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), and the upcoming High-Speed Rail Station at BKC. Officials say the network will significantly cut travel time between these crucial hubs while improving overall traffic management in India’s financial capital.
The new tunnel network has been designed to provide relief from the growing traffic congestion on major city roads like SV Road and the Western Express Highway (WEH). Both routes are currently overcrowded, especially during peak hours, causing long travel delays for residents.
Once the tunnel network is completed, vehicles will be able to move underground, bypassing surface-level traffic. This will help reduce pressure on existing roads and give Mumbaikars faster access to important business, residential, and transportation centres. Officials also believe the project will help reclaim valuable urban land that can be used for public facilities and green spaces.
The MMRDA has stated that the tunnel network will integrate seamlessly with the city’s ongoing infrastructure projects. It will link directly with metro corridors, coastal roads, and flyovers, forming a unified urban mobility grid. This integration aims to ensure that citizens can move across the city with minimal disruptions and greater comfort.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who also serves as the MMRDA chairman, approved the appointment of a consultant to prepare the feasibility study and the DPR on September 30. The tender process was floated in October, and the final bids are scheduled to open on November 17.
Shinde described the tunnel project as a “new dimension of travel for Mumbai,” noting that it represents a move toward multi-layered, future-ready infrastructure. He said, “This tunnel network will turn Mumbai’s dream of ‘Mumbai in Minutes’ into reality by ensuring quick and safe travel under the surface.”
The MMRDA’s 70 km tunnel network is expected to be one of the largest urban underground road systems in India. It will form a network of corridors that reduce congestion at surface level while improving travel time between north and south Mumbai. The goal is to make travel across the city quicker, cleaner, and more sustainable.
The project will also boost Mumbai’s image as a global financial hub. With major financial and business centres like BKC, Nariman Point, and South Mumbai facing daily traffic pressure, the tunnel system will help improve connectivity and enhance the city’s efficiency.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis called the initiative a “major leap” in Mumbai’s growth. He said, “Mumbai’s future depends on efficient mobility. This integrated tunnel system will connect roads, metro lines, and coastal corridors into one smooth network, helping the city evolve into a truly global metropolis.”
The CM also emphasized that the project aligns with the government’s broader ‘Mumbai in Minutes’ vision, which aims to ensure that citizens can travel between major city points within minutes rather than hours. The project will use modern construction technologies and follow global standards for safety, ventilation, and environmental management.
Once operational, the tunnels are expected to cut travel time by up to 50%, significantly improving the daily experience for millions of commuters. The tunnels will also help reduce vehicular emissions, contributing to a cleaner urban environment.
The project will be executed in phases, beginning with feasibility studies and environmental clearances. Following DPR approval, construction will start in stages, connecting high-traffic areas first. Authorities are confident that the tunnel network will transform urban travel and bring long-term economic benefits by saving time and fuel, improving productivity, and supporting sustainable growth.
The MMRDA has positioned this tunnel initiative as part of a larger transformation plan for Mumbai’s urban infrastructure. Over the last few years, several large-scale projects have been launched, including Mumbai Metro expansions, the Mumbai Coastal Road, and the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL). Together, these projects aim to create a multi-modal transport system that makes the city’s vast landscape more accessible and efficient.
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The new tunnel network will take this vision even further by introducing a third travel layer beneath the city’s surface, reducing dependence on congested surface roads. Officials said this approach reflects the kind of forward-thinking planning seen in major global cities such as London, Tokyo, and Singapore, where underground road systems have helped improve mobility and reduce urban clutter.
According to senior MMRDA officials, the project’s design will focus on safety, environmental sustainability, and long-term durability. The tunnels will be equipped with advanced monitoring systems, emergency exits, and fire safety mechanisms. Additionally, the authority plans to incorporate energy-efficient lighting and ventilation systems to minimize operational costs.
Public response to the announcement has been largely positive, with residents and experts calling it a much-needed solution to Mumbai’s traffic chaos. Urban planners have noted that such projects can significantly ease travel time, especially for commuters travelling between north and south Mumbai, which currently takes over two hours during rush hours.
The MMRDA’s detailed project report, once completed, will finalize the exact routes, entry and exit points, and estimated costs. While the project is still in its early stages, the government has expressed confidence that this will be a game-changer for Mumbai’s transport future.
As Maharashtra continues to modernize its transport systems, the 70 km tunnel network stands as a symbol of innovation, sustainability, and smart urban planning. If completed as planned, it will not only bring relief to Mumbaikars but also redefine how India’s busiest city moves — fulfilling the long-awaited dream of making “Mumbai in Minutes” a reality.
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