Mumbai is hailed as the ‘City That Never Sleeps’, and for good reason. This vibrant metropolis continues to grow and adapt with time and its residents evolve with it. And this trend is all set to continue with a slew of upcoming infrastructure upgrades in Mumbai.
From enhanced comfort in commute to the arrival of London-like transportation, here’s a list of things to look forward to for Mumbaikars!
Mumbai’s FIRST underground metro line
Phase 1 of Mumbai’s first underground metro line is all set to become operational from October 3. Also known as the Aqua Line, the soon-to-be-launched first phase of this project will connect Aarey Colony to BKC.
Stretching across 12 km, this phase will feature a total of 10 stations. These stations will include Aarey Colony, SEEPZ, MIDC, Marol Naka, CSMIA T2, Sahar Road, CSMIA T1, Santacruz, Vidyanagari, and BKC.
Return of the Reay Road Bridge
Mumbai’s is all set to welcome its second cable-stayed bridge, aimed at easing traffic congestion in South Mumbai. The much-awaited Reay Road Bridge is set to open this November with 90% of work on the project now completed.
Originally built in 1911, the Reay Road Bridge was demolished in 2022 after decades of decay that have left it incapable of handling modern traffic demands. Reconstructing this revamped version of the old bridge is a joint project undertaken by BMC and MRIDC. Once operational, it will enhance connectivity to Churchgate, Colaba, and Byculla.
Thane Creek Bridge
In another upgrade slated to arrive by the end of September, the southbound lane of Thane Creek Bridge 3 is all set to open for the public. This upgrade comes as great news for those travelling from Mumbai to Pune by road.
Once open for the public, this bridge will provide an alternative route to commuters. Hence, it will not only ease pressure on other routes but also reduce the travel time between the two cities.
Navi Mumbai International Airport
Work on Phase 1 and 2 of the much-awaited Navi Mumbai International Airport is also inching closer to completion. This new airport in Mumbai is predicted to begin operations in March 2025.
The first two phases of this airport will have the capacity of handling up to 20 million passengers and 0.8 million metric tonnes of cargo, every year. Once operational, this airport will enhance connectivity across Western Maharashtra, including places like Mumbai, Pune, Kalyan, and Thane.
Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train
Probably the most eagerly-awaited upgrade for Mumbaikars (and for all of us Indians) is the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project. The work on this project, which will stretch across 508 km and cover 12 stations, is being conducted in phases.
According to the current reports, the 302 km section of the project in Gujarat will become fully operational in 2027 while the remaining section through Mumbai will be ready by 2028-29.
London-like Pod Taxis in BKC
Intended to ease commute to and from the business district of BKC, driverless pod taxis will begin operating in Mumbai. MMRDA recently approved this Automated Rapid Transit System and a company has been chosen for the construction and operation of these taxis.
Benefitting up to 6,00,000 commuters, these taxis will have the capacity of accommodating 6 passengers each, making stoppages at a total of 38 stations. The construction and launch of this new transport system is expected to take up to three years.
