Mumbai | September 4, 2025

In a major infrastructure push, the Maharashtra cabinet on Wednesday approved two big-ticket metro corridors for Mumbai and Thane, alongside several other transport and urban development projects. The move is expected to significantly boost connectivity in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and ease congestion across fast-growing urban clusters.

Mumbai Metro Line-11: Wadala to Gateway of India

The ₹23,487 crore Metro Line-11 will extend from Wadala’s Anik Depot to the Gateway of India, covering a 17.51 km stretch. The corridor will pass through Nagpada and Bhendi Bazaar and integrate with key transport hubs including the Monorail at Wadala, suburban stations such as Byculla and CSMT, and Mumbai’s upcoming Metro 3 (Aqua Line) and Metro 4.

Planned and executed by the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL), the line is seen as a critical link to South Mumbai, improving last-mile connectivity and reducing pressure on existing suburban rail lines.

Thane Ring Metro

In Thane, the state approved a 29-km circular metro line at a cost of ₹12,200 crore. The project will be implemented by the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) and is being strongly backed by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who also heads the state’s urban development department.

The circular route aims to reduce dependence on road transport, cut down traffic bottlenecks, and serve as an intra-city connector for one of Maharashtra’s fastest-growing satellite cities.

Thane–NMIA Elevated Road

The cabinet also cleared a 25-km elevated road project linking Thane and Mira-Bhayander to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). Developed by CIDCO at an estimated cost of ₹6,430 crore, the six-lane road will have six interchanges and is expected to reduce travel time between Thane and NMIA from 90 minutes to just 30 minutes.

Pune–Lonavala Suburban Rail Expansion

In Pune, the state approved the construction of third and fourth rail lines between Pune and Lonavala at a cost of ₹5,100 crore. The project, to be undertaken by the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC), is expected to ease congestion on one of the busiest commuter routes in Maharashtra and cut travel times for daily passengers.

Other Projects Approved

Apart from the metro and suburban rail projects, the cabinet gave the nod to several other initiatives:

Pune Metro extensions: Pimpri–Chinchwad to Nigdi, Swargate to Katraj, Vanaz–Chandani Chowk, and Ramwadi–Wagholi (Vithalwadi).

New sub-corridors: Balaji Nagar and Swargate on the Swargate–Katraj line, and Nal Stop to Warje–Manikbagh.

Pune Metro Line-4: Hadapsar–Kharadi–Hadapsar.

Nagpur Metro Phase-2: Expansion projects including a ring road and a new township, alongside the development of an international business hub.

Outlook

Chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the cabinet’s decisions mark one of the largest transport infrastructure expansions in recent years. Together, these projects are expected to not only reduce travel time but also boost urban connectivity, spur economic activity, and support Maharashtra’s rapid urbanisation.