September 5, 2025: The Maharashtra cabinet has sanctioned a series of significant metro projects in Mumbai, signalling a major enhancement of the city’s public transport infrastructure. Foremost among these is the Rs 23,487 crore Mumbai Metro Line-11, a 17.51-km underground corridor linking Wadala to the iconic Gateway of India.
Metro Line-11 will act as an extension of the Wadala–Thane–Kasarvadavli Metro Line-4, featuring 14 stations, the majority underground. Key stops will include Sewri, Byculla, Bhendi Bazaar, CSMT, and the Gateway of India, improving connectivity with existing metro lines, the monorail, and suburban rail networks. Nearly 70% of the corridor will run below ground, a strategic choice aimed at navigating South Mumbai’s dense urban fabric while minimising land acquisition challenges. The line will connect major residential and business districts, passing landmarks such as Flora Fountain, Crawford Market, and Fort.
Alongside Metro Line-11, the state government has approved a 29-km circular metro line in Thane to strengthen regional mobility within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Other infrastructure initiatives include expansions of the Pune and Nagpur metro networks, as well as a 25-km elevated road linking Thane to Navi Mumbai International Airport, designed to reduce travel times.
Construction is already underway on several MMRDA-led corridors, including Lines 2A, 2B, 5, and 9, covering over 70 km and expected to be completed by the end of 2025. Metro Line-11 alone is projected to accommodate up to nine lakh daily passengers, drastically reducing commute times between central and southern Mumbai while integrating seamlessly with existing transport modes.
Funding for the project will include support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), alongside financial assistance from the central government. The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) will oversee the design, construction, and operation of the corridor, ensuring the project meets the city’s growing transport demands.
Source: Mathrubhumi
