November 10, 2025: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has initiated the preparation of a detailed project report (DPR) for an integrated underground tunnel road network estimated to cost Rs 1.05 trillion. The 70-km tunnel corridor will connect key locations such as the Mumbai Coastal Road, Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), creating a seamless underground transport system across the city.
The proposed network is designed to serve as Mumbai’s “third mode” of transport, complementing its existing road and metro systems. MMRDA officials said the project aims to decongest surface traffic, shorten travel time, and improve last-mile connectivity across major business and residential hubs in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
According to the MMRDA, the integrated tunnel network will act as a high-capacity mobility corridor linking crucial urban infrastructure. “The initiative represents a significant step towards introducing Mumbai’s third mode of travel—alongside its existing surface road and metro rail systems,” the authority stated.
The agency has started initial planning and feasibility assessments to determine the alignment and construction model for the project. The network is expected to include multiple entry and exit points to improve accessibility and traffic dispersal across the city’s key corridors.
As the apex regional planning and development authority, MMRDA plays a central role in implementing large-scale infrastructure projects aimed at transforming connectivity within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Once completed, the tunnel network is expected to not only reduce congestion but also contribute to lower vehicle emissions and faster travel between Mumbai’s western and eastern corridors.
The integrated project marks one of Mumbai’s most ambitious mobility plans, aligning with the city’s long-term vision for sustainable and efficient urban transportation.
Source: Business Standard
