September 5, 2025: The Maharashtra cabinet, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has approved a comprehensive infrastructure package worth Rs 75,000 crore, covering Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur. The initiative includes new metro lines, suburban railway expansions, road projects, and a new Bombay High Court complex.
A major component is the Wadala–Gateway of India metro line, spanning 17.51 km, with 14 stations, 13 of which will be underground. Estimated at Rs 24,000 crore, it will extend the existing Wadala–Thane–Kasarvadavli corridor. Trains will run in six-car formations at speeds up to 80 kmph, with peak frequency every 2.5 minutes, serving 5.8 lakh daily passengers by 2031, expected to rise to over 10 lakh by 2055. A metro car shed will be constructed on 104 acres, with 92.5 acres already government-owned.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency will provide financial support, while the state will seek equity of Rs 3,137.72 crore and interest-free debt of Rs 916.74 crore from the Centre. A commercial complex at Wadala Depot is expected to generate additional revenue.
Under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP), the cabinet approved purchasing 238 fully air-conditioned trains at a cost of Rs 4,826 crore, shared equally between the state and Railway Board. New projects under MUTP-3B include 136.652 km of suburban railway expansion, with key corridors between New Panvel–Vasai, Asangaon–Kasara, and Badlapur–Karjat.
The cabinet also approved a new Bombay High Court complex in Bandra East, covering 30.16 acres at a cost of Rs 3,750 crore, featuring courtrooms, chambers, auditoriums, a library, housing, and parking.
Additional approvals include the 148 km New Outer Ring Road in Nagpur at Rs 13,748 crore, loan guarantees for various metro projects, and revised labour regulations, including an increase in private sector daily working hours from 9 to 10, maximum weekly hours up to 60, and higher overtime limits for industries and shops.
Source: Mumbai Live
