January News Roundup, Mumbai | New 1.5-km bridge to connect Marve-Manori, TMM 2025 champions & more

January was packed with major highlights— from Mumbai's real estate market seeing a solid 11% growth in property registrations in 13 years to securing India's only spot at 49th in Time Out’s 2025 best cities list. Here’s a quick recap of all the key updates!Marine Drive to get stronger with better tetrapodsMarine Drive is set for a major upgrade! BMC has approved replacing aging tetrapods installed in the 1960s, with new M40-grade cement tetrapods designed to last 100 years. The ₹43.61 crore project, due for completion by May 2025, aims to protect Mumbai's coastline from erosion and reduce vibrations caused by crashing waves.Mumbai’s real estate market sees highest registrations in 13 yearsMumbai's real estate market showed strong growth in 2024, with property registrations rising by 11% to 141,202 units, the highest in 13 years. Total revenue reached ₹12,141 crore, growing 12% year-on-year. December alone saw 12,418 registrations, generating ₹1,134 crore. Experts attribute this growth to high demand, premium developments, and ongoing infrastructure expansion in the region.1.5-Km cable-stayed bridge to reduce Marve-Gorai travel timeThe Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) has approved a 1.5-km cable-stayed bridge connecting Marve to Manori, Gorai, and Uttan. This four-lane bridge will cut the 29-km detour to just minutes, improving connectivity. However, environmental concerns remain, as 45 mangrove trees will be affected, with compensatory plantation plans in place.Mumbai becomes India’s start up funding powerhouse, surpassing BengaluruMumbai has surpassed Bengaluru as India’s top start up funding hub in 2024, with funding rising 154% from $1.5 billion to $3.7 billion. India’s startup ecosystem is now the world’s third-largest, with over 140,000 startups. Mumbai’s strong financial and media sectors support its growth as a major startup centre, boosted by state initiatives fostering innovation.New co-working spaces planned at 17 Mumbai train stationsWestern Railway (WR) is set to introduce Digital Lounges at select Mumbai stations, inspired by European railway stations. These co-working spaces will offer air-conditioned environments with plug points, seating arrangements, and mini cubicles for privacy. Located at high-footfall stations like Andheri and Bandra, the lounges will provide a flexible workspace for office-goers, reducing platform congestion. The initiative is part of the ₹947 crore Station Improvement Project.Mumbai marks 100 years of Art Deco with new logo 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the ground-breaking Art Deco style, first showcased at the 1925 Paris Industrial Exposition. Mumbai embraced it early on, becoming home to the second-largest collection of Art Deco buildings worldwide by the 1950s. To celebrate this milestone, the Art Deco Mumbai Trust has unveiled a new logo and continues its efforts to preserve these iconic structures, which are now threatened by rapid redevelopment.Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway to launch in February 2025The Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway, slated for a February 2025 launch, will reduce travel time from 16 to 8 hours. Spanning 701 km, this ₹67,000 crore project will enhance connectivity, integrate cutting-edge safety technology, and drive economic growth through 18 smart towns. With wildlife corridors and eco-friendly design, it will transform Maharashtra’s infrastructure and travel landscape.South Asia’s largest all-electric ride-hailing service launched in the cityBluSmart, South Asia's largest all-electric ride-hailing service, has launched in Mumbai, initially covering routes like Goregaon to Bandra and BKC. Currently invite-only, the service promises zero cancellations, on-time arrivals, and transparent pricing, with a CO2 tracker. With over 8,500 electric vehicles across India, BluSmart aims to offer sustainable and efficient urban mobility.Mumbai’s new eco-sanctuary The Nest set to open on Feb 1Mumbai’s Malabar Hill is set to welcome The Nest, a revamped 1.2-acre urban sanctuary reopening on February 1. Home to 8,000+ plants, including 350 native species, it features seven themed zones and QR-coded plant info. Spearheaded by The Heritage Project and BMC, this initiative enhances biodiversity and links Mumbai’s green spaces for a sustainable future.MMR gets the green light for cable car project A new cable car project in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) has received in-principle approval from the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways. The system, aimed at easing transportation bottlenecks, will be implemented under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP). It will connect areas like Palghar and Uran-Pen, reducing travel times and improving urban mobility with sustainable options. CSMIA makes history with Level 5 Airport Customer Experience AccreditationMumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has achieved a major milestone, becoming the first in India and only the third globally to earn Level 5 Accreditation for Airport Customer Experience from the Airports Council International (ACI), the highest recognition in the airport industry.Mumbai's oldest museum, Dr Bhau Daji Lad, reopens after major renovationMumbai's Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum, after a five-year closure, reopened on January 9, 2025, following a ₹2.8 crore renovation by BMC. Established in 1862, it's Maharashtra's oldest museum, housing over 15,000 artefacts. Future plans include expanding to display 1,000 more pieces from storage. The museum, located at Byculla Zoo, was previously known as the Victoria and Albert Museum.WPL 2025 to begin at Mumbai’s Brabourne StadiumThe Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 will expand to four cities, including Mumbai, with matches set to begin at Brabourne Stadium in early February. The tournament will feature 23 matches across Mumbai, Lucknow, Bengaluru, and Vadodara, culminating in the final at Vadodara’s Kotambi Stadium. Coastal Road Project to open 1,850 underground parking spaces across South MumbaiMumbai’s Coastal Road Project will address traffic issues by introducing four underground parking facilities in South Mumbai, offering a total of 1,850 spaces. Locations include Tata Garden, Haji Ali, Worli Dairy, and Worli Seaface. The Worli lot is set to open within 4-6 weeks. Despite some local opposition, approvals have been granted for the project, though construction at Tata Garden has been temporarily halted. Mumbai ranks 49th in Time Out's 2025 best cities listMumbai ranked 49th in Time Out’s 2025 list of the world’s best cities, securing India's only spot. The rankings, based on food, culture, nightlife, and more, are topped by Cape Town, followed by Bangkok and New York. Mumbai is ahead of Warsaw, which holds the 50th position.Berhane Tesfay and Joyce Chepkemoi Tele crowned at Tata Mumbai Marathon 2025Eritrean Berhane Tesfay and Kenyan Joyce Chepkemoi Tele won the men’s and women’s titles at the 20th Tata Mumbai Marathon. Tesfay clocked 2:11:44 for his first win, while Tele finished in 2:24:56 for her second consecutive victory. Over 60,000 participants ran through Mumbai’s landmarks, with a prize pool of ₹4 crore. Indian runners Anish Thapa and Nirmaben Thakor also made strong showings.Mumbai’s iconic Sea Rock Hotel set for revival by IHCL in 2025Mumbai’s Sea Rock Hotel will be revived as Taj Bandstand, with construction starting in late 2025. IHCL plans to bring this iconic property back to life on a sea-facing plot in Bandra, opposite Taj Lands End. Originally built in 1978, it became a celebrity hub until being damaged in the 1993 attacks. Now fully owned by IHCL, it will join the company’s luxury portfolio.Coldplay rocked Navi Mumbai with historic 'Music of the Spheres' tourColdplay's highly anticipated return to India after nine years was a massive hit, with their "Music of the Spheres" tour lighting up Navi Mumbai at DY Patil Stadium on January 18, 19, and 21. The band, led by Chris Martin, delivered a magical performance filled with emotional moments, including Martin's Hindi greeting and apology for colonial history.Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor fast tracked with Shinkansen E10The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor, backed by Japan, is rapidly progressing, aiming to cut travel time to just over two hours. Initially set for the Shinkansen E5 model, it will now feature the faster Shinkansen E10, capable of 400 km/h. Set to launch in 2029-30, the project is partly funded by Japan’s JICA and includes innovative engineering like a 21 km undersea tunnel. Bandra Talao’s 200-YO legacy to be restored with ₹20 crore projectBandra Talao, a 200-year-old heritage site in Mumbai, is set for restoration, as announced by BMC. This 7.5-acre lake, once a beauty, has been neglected for years. The restoration will occur in two phases: dewatering and desludging followed by beautification. The ₹20 crore project will be funded by the 15th Finance Commission and aims to enhance the area’s ecological and aesthetic value.Fuel station and food plaza coming soon to Atal Setu, Navi Mumbai Commuters on the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu will soon have access to a fuel station and food plaza at Jasai, Navi Mumbai. MMRDA is finalizing private partners to set up these much-needed amenities, expected within 3-6 months. This comes as the ₹17,843-crore sea link marks its first anniversary, with traffic expected to rise.CSMIA sees 17% rise in international cargo, hits record tonnage in 2024Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) ended 2024 with a 17% increase in international cargo, reaching its highest-ever daily tonnage of 204 metric tonnes. New routes and growth in pharmaceuticals, agro products, and automobiles contributed to this success. The airport also received the "Cargo Airport of the Year" award for the sixth year in a row. CSMIA to begin T1 redevelopment in Q3FY26, boosting capacity by 33% by 2029Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) will partially close Terminal 1 in Q3FY26 for a three-year redevelopment, increasing capacity by 33% to handle 20 million passengers annually. To ease disruptions, Terminal 2 will expand by 5 million passengers. The revamped T1 is set to open in 2029, aligning with Navi Mumbai Airport’s T2 launch.MMRDA partners with UK government to boost Mumbai's metro networkThe Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has partnered with the UK Government to enhance Mumbai’s metro network. Signed on January 27, 2025, the MoU unites UK transport experts with MMRDA to develop the 337-km metro system. The collaboration focuses on integration, sustainability, and innovative funding, shaping Mumbai’s future urban mobility.Auto, taxi, and bus fares in Mumbai set to riseMumbai's State Transport Authority and MMRTA have approved fare hikes for auto-rickshaws, taxis, and buses due to rising operational costs. Auto-rickshaw fares will increase by Rs 2, and taxi and bus fares by Rs 3. The MMRTA is also planning new taxi stands near high-demand spots and a 35-50% fare reduction for AC buses in Thane to offer more affordable travel options.MMB to prepare DPR for water transport facilities The Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) has been tasked with creating a detailed project report for water transport development in Mumbai and its surrounding areas, including water taxis, ferries, and ro-ro services. Transport Minister has emphasised the need to prioritise water transport in coastal Mumbai, similar to global cities, given its access to vast waterways. The DPR is expected in two months.25% of Metro 3 Subway Project between Mantralaya and Vidhan Bhavan doneNearly 25% of the underground subway linking Mantralaya to Vidhan Bhavan Metro Station is complete. The ₹100 crore project, part of the Colaba-Seepz Metro 3 line, includes separate passages for government employees and the public. Expected to open by June 2025, it will ease commutes, reduce traffic, and improve access to key buildings.