Shinde Fast-Tracks Mumbai-Navi Mumbai Airport Tunnel Study

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has directed the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to conduct a feasibility study for a proposed tunnel connecting Mumbai to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport.

The tunnel is envisioned to significantly ease traffic congestion and enhance multimodal connectivity, linking key nodes such as the Bandra-Worli Sea Link and Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) directly to the airport. With the new airport expected to handle up to 20 million passengers annually, Deputy CM Shinde stressed the importance of integrating various transport modes, including suburban rail, Metro lines, and waterways, to ensure seamless access. The airport is slated for inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In a parallel initiative, the Deputy CM also instructed officials to explore connectivity between the under-construction Mhatardi bullet train station in Diva, Thane, and nearby Kopar railway station and Taloja Metro station, aiming to develop a unified multimodal transit hub. The Mhatardi station is expected to support high-speed rail, suburban trains, metro services, buses, and road networks, positioning it as a key regional mobility node.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.