Mumbai’s proposed ring-road network is set to expand with two additional corridors spanning approximately 307 km, taking the planned system to nine ring roads and strengthening orbital connectivity between South Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Bhiwandi and the northern suburbs, according to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).
The proposed eighth ring road will cover around 197 km, while the ninth ring road will stretch nearly 110 km. Both corridors are planned as access-controlled routes with a design speed of 80 kmph, with MMRDA targeting 2029 for the wider network’s operationalisation.
The plan does not involve constructing 307 km of completely new roads. Instead, it aims to integrate existing highways, expressways, sea links, tunnels and elevated corridors with projects currently under construction or in the planning stage.
Ninth Ring Road to Connect Nariman Point, Borivali and Thane
The 110-km ninth ring road will begin at Nariman Point and move north through Mumbai’s coastal road network. It will incorporate the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Versova-Bandra Sea Link and Northern Coastal Road before reaching Borivali.
From there, the corridor will pass through the proposed Thane-Borivali Twin Tunnel and enter Thane. It will then connect with Thane Coastal Road Phase-I, the Anand Nagar-Saket elevated road, Eastern Freeway Extension and Eastern Freeway.
The proposed Orange Gate Tunnel and Marine Drive connection will complete the return route towards Nariman Point. The corridor is expected to provide an alternative orbital route for traffic travelling between South Mumbai, the western suburbs, Thane and eastern Mumbai.
Eighth Ring Road to Form Sewri-Thane-Navi Mumbai Loop
The 197-km eighth ring road is planned as a loop connecting Sewri, Thane and Navi Mumbai. Starting near the Mumbai end of the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, it will use the Eastern Freeway and its extension towards Thane.
From Thane, the route will continue through the Anand Nagar-Saket elevated road and connect towards Navi Mumbai via the Mumbai-Vadodara Expressway and NH-4B, eventually reaching Chirle. The MTHL will then provide the link back to Sewri.
The corridor is expected to improve connectivity between Thane, Navi Mumbai and Bhiwandi while strengthening access to JNPT, logistics hubs and emerging development zones.
Wider Ring-Road Strategy
The two new routes build on MMRDA’s earlier seven-ring plan, which includes a 27-km inner loop around Nariman Point. The broader concept, articulated by MMRDA Commissioner Dr Sanjay Mukherjee in 2024, seeks to supplement Mumbai’s traditional north-south road network with more east-west and orbital connections.
The network will integrate infrastructure being developed by MMRDA, BMC, MSRDC and NHAI, including coastal roads, sea links, tunnels, the Sewri-Worli Connector, Goregaon-Mulund Link Road, JVLR, SCLR and MTHL.
Its success will depend on completing missing links and improving interchanges, ramps and junctions where multiple corridors converge. MMRDA is also studying potential widening and capacity upgrades based on traffic projections and available right of way.
The objective is to create multiple alternative routes across Mumbai and the wider MMR, allowing motorists and long-distance traffic to avoid congested corridors and distribute road traffic more efficiently.
Source: Mumbai Live
