November 25, 2025: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has projected a dramatic transformation of Mumbai’s traffic landscape, asserting that the city’s average travel speed could jump from the current 20 kmph to nearly 80 kmph within seven years if all ongoing and planned infrastructure projects progress as intended. Addressing students in Worli, he pointed out that speeds dip to nearly 15 kmph during rush hours, but a series of tunnels, connectors, and corridor upgrades could fundamentally reshape mobility.
Describing the scale of the underground tunnel network, Fadnavis said, “We are creating a Patal Lok beneath Mumbai to solve traffic congestion.” He emphasised that despite significant infrastructure additions, gridlock persists mainly because “60 per cent of the city’s traffic load sits on the Western Express Highway. Unless this corridor is decongested, Mumbai’s traffic problems will not end.”
The Chief Minister listed a host of major upcoming links: east-west and north-south connectors across the city, the Thane-Borivli and Mulund-Goregaon tunnels, and further extensions of the Coastal Road from Bandra to Versova and onward to Dahisar and Bhayandar. He added that new tunnels will offer seamless access from the Bandra Sea Link to BKC, and from BKC to the airport, sharply reducing commute times.
Fadnavis also reiterated that Mumbai’s suburban rail network is set for a significant overhaul. “Rakes will have Metro-like features, including air conditioning and automatic doors. All of this will be provided at existing fares,” he said, stressing that the upgrade will improve daily travel for millions.
On the issue of corruption, the CM defended the Centre, stating, “Before 2014, governments changed frequently, and corruption charges were common. In the Modi-led government, not one allegation has been made. This is the change people are seeing.” He added that there has not been “a single allegation against Prime Minister Narendra Modi” in 11 years. Aiming at the Opposition, he remarked, “Rahul Gandhi is always in disillusionment.”
