August 20, 2025: The Maharashtra government on Tuesday approved major transport infrastructure projects, including a 25-km elevated corridor connecting Thane with the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport and the underground Metro Line 11 linking Wadala depot to the Gateway of India. The approvals came during a Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
A statement from the CM’s office highlighted that these initiatives aim to boost connectivity, modernize public transport, and accelerate the state’s development. “These projects will transform urban mobility and support industrial, residential, and commercial growth,” the statement said.
The Cabinet cleared the construction of additional railway lines along the Pune-Lonavala corridor to ease traffic congestion and strengthen regional connectivity. Under phases 3 and 3A of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP), 268 fully air-conditioned local train coaches will be procured. These trains, featuring metro-style automatic doors and upgraded amenities, will gradually replace the older open-door trains. CM Fadnavis confirmed that ticket fares will remain unchanged.
The elevated Thane-Navi Mumbai Airport corridor is expected to provide high-speed connectivity for commuters and businesses, while Metro Line 11—a 16-km fully underground route with key stations at Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Chowk and Horniman Circle—is estimated at Rs 24,000 crore and will be funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The project also includes a joint commercial complex with BEST to generate additional revenue.
Additionally, the Cabinet approved a new township and ring road in Nagpur to support urban expansion and reduce congestion, as well as stations for Phase 1 of the Pune Metro at Balajinagar, Bibwewadi, Swargate, and Katraj, further enhancing city mobility.
“These infrastructure initiatives will strengthen Maharashtra’s transport networks and improve the daily commute for millions,” Fadnavis said, underlining the state’s focus on modern, integrated urban transport solutions.
Source: The Week
