Mumbai’s Mumbai Metro Aqua Line is moving ahead with plans to develop a wide-ranging underground pedestrian tunnel network aimed at improving connectivity across south-central parts of the city. The initiative, led by Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited, will link key metro stations with nearby business districts, public spaces, and transport hubs through a series of subterranean walkways.
MMRCL has invited bids for design and project management consultancy services to execute the project, which is expected to cover nearly 3 km in total. The proposed network will branch out from major stations, enabling seamless pedestrian movement without relying on congested surface roads.
Two key tunnels are planned from the Science Centre station. One will extend around 1.1 km toward the Worli promenade via the Mahalaxmi Racecourse area, while another 500-metre passage will connect directly to the Nehru Planetarium. In addition, a longer underground corridor of approximately 1.4 km is proposed from the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) station to the upcoming high-speed rail terminal near the Diamond Bourse, providing direct access to commercial hubs.
Urban planners believe these corridors will enable smooth transitions between public transport and workplaces, reducing dependency on road travel. The network is also expected to align with transit-oriented development strategies by encouraging integration between metro stations and adjacent buildings.
Apart from easing congestion, the tunnels aim to enhance pedestrian safety and offer protection during the monsoon season. However, the project will involve complex engineering, given the need to construct beneath existing infrastructure and densely built urban zones.
The execution timeline will depend on the award of contracts, detailed design approvals, and necessary regulatory clearances. Once completed, the underground network is expected to significantly reshape commuter movement patterns and contribute to reducing surface traffic in Mumbai’s busy commercial districts.
Source: Construction World
