A sweeping infrastructure expansion plan for Mumbai and the wider state was announced on Friday as Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis presented the Maharashtra Budget 2026–27 in the Legislative Assembly.
The Budget placed a strong focus on transport connectivity and urban infrastructure, with the government outlining a series of major road, metro, and housing projects.
In his speech, Mr. Fadnavis said the city will see improved traffic movement through a key road corridor linking eastern and western Mumbai. “By September 2026, there will be a signal free traffic from Sewri to coastal road.”
The government also announced that the Bandra–Versova Coastal Road will be completed by May 2028, further expanding the city’s coastal road network.
In another major connectivity push, Mr. Fadnavis said “Atal Setu to be connected to Navi Mumbai airport by May 2026 via Ulwe. There will be a lot of focus on infrastructure work.” The Atal Setu—India’s longest sea bridge—links Mumbai with Navi Mumbai and is expected to become a key gateway to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport.
The Chief Minister also announced plans for a new coastal infrastructure corridor, stating that “Mumbai Vadhwan-uttan to Virar coastal bridge to be constructed.”
Beyond Mumbai, the state will significantly expand transport networks. The government plans to construct over 1,000 kilometres of metro lines and 6,000 kilometres of two-lane highways across Maharashtra.
To further ease congestion in major cities, the government is planning a network of underground roads in Mumbai and Pune.
Housing and urban development also featured prominently in the Budget. Mr. Fadnavis said “3.57 lakh houses will be completed under the scheme,” referring to homes being built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, with rooftop solar installations planned for the houses.
The Budget also proposed a start-up and innovation hub in Mumbai’s Wadala as part of efforts to support entrepreneurship and future urban growth.
Source: The Times of India
