October 3, 2025: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced ambitious plans to construct a network of multi-modal vehicular tunnels across Mumbai’s island city and suburbs in a bid to decongest roads and improve regional connectivity.
According to the preliminary blueprint, six interlinked tunnels will be built beneath existing roadways, creating a parallel underground network designed to reduce pressure on surface traffic. These tunnels are expected to connect the city’s eastern and western suburbs while integrating with key arterial routes, including the Goregaon–Mulund Link Road and the Mumbai Coastal Road (Phases 1 and 2).
Each tunnel will be equipped with advanced infrastructure such as modern ventilation systems, digital signboards, lighting, dedicated service lanes and emergency access points. The civic body has already floated tenders for the project, after which a detailed feasibility study will determine suitable construction methods and alignments.
The project carries an estimated price tag of Rs 43.9 billion, with each individual tunnel projected to cost around Rs 7.3 billion.
“This is a significant master plan to strengthen connectivity within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. With vehicular density rising year on year, creating alternative routes has become essential to meet future traffic demand. Tenders have been invited and we are now awaiting responses from interested agencies,” said Abhijit Bangar, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects).
The proposed tunnel network is being described as one of Mumbai’s most forward-looking infrastructure initiatives. If approved and executed, it is expected to transform commuting patterns across the city, reduce travel times, and provide much-needed relief to overburdened surface roads.
Urban planners have welcomed the concept but noted that construction challenges and costs will need careful evaluation before work begins.
Source: Construction World
