Maharashtra government pushes infra projects, promises traffic decongestion in Mumbai

 Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday (April 7, 2026) inaugurated Metro Line 9 and Metro Line 2B (Phase 1), while also flagging off the controversial Thane–Borivali twin tunnel project and laying the foundation for the pod taxi system—in a bid to expand connectivity in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). 

“For North-South connectivity, we have a coastal road, and for the east-west link, the net of tunnels, which includes the Orange Gate tunnel to decongest the Eastern Freeway, the Bandra–Sea Link to BKC Tunnel, a tunnel to reach the airport with prospects of coastal road integration, and the Mulund–Goregaon Tunnel. The grid of tunnels and the Coastal Road will aim to decongest the traffic in Mumbai,” said Mr. Fadnavis, during the launch of the twin tunnel project in Thane’s Manpada. 

MMRDA’s 11.84 km twin-tunnel project is a six-lane road connecting Borivali in Mumbai and Ghodbunder Road in Thane, to be constructed beneath Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP). The project has been controversial due to environmental concerns, as environmentalists believe the underground construction is likely to affect the habitat. It can also cause noise and water pollution. However, MMRDA has clarified that all major statutory approvals, including SBWL, NBWL, Forest Clearance (Stage I & II), FRA approvals, and Eco-Sensitive Zone clearance, have been secured.