New metro corridors, high-speed rail, and expressways to boost connectivity across Mumbai, Thane, Pune, and Nagpur
Maharashtra has launched one of its most ambitious urban infrastructure pushes yet. In a high-level cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the state approved multiple mega transport projects, including:
- Mumbai Metro Line-11 to South Mumbai
- A Thane Ring Metro
- A 6-lane elevated expressway to Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA)
- Rail and metro upgrades in Pune
- Metro expansion and urban development in Nagpur
These projects, with a combined outlay exceeding ₹47,000 crore, are set to redefine connectivity across Maharashtra’s key urban regions.
Mumbai Metro Line-11: Wadala to Gateway of India
- Cost: ₹23,487 crore
- Length: 17.51 km
- Route: From Anik Depot in Wadala to the Gateway of India
- Key Stops: Nagpada, Byculla, Bhendi Bazaar, and CSMT
- Network Integration: Will connect with Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line), Metro 4, the Monorail, and major railway stations
This line is a significant upgrade for South Mumbai, providing relief from chronic road congestion and integrating with existing metro and railway infrastructure.
Thane Ring Metro: A Long-Awaited Relief
- Cost: ₹12,200 crore
- Length: 29 km circular metro
- Developer: Thane Municipal Corporation
- Objective: Decongest Thane’s traffic and improve intra-city connectivity
- Supporter: Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, also the Urban Development Minister
A long-pending demand, this circular metro will allow faster, more efficient travel around Thane, transforming daily commutes for lakhs of residents.
Thane to NMIA Expressway: Faster Airport Access
- Cost: ₹6,430 crore
- Length: 25 km elevated corridor
- Connects: Thane & Mira-Bhayander to Navi Mumbai International Airport
- Interchanges: Six
- Travel Time Cut: From 90 minutes to just 30 minutes
- Agency: CIDCO
This new expressway is seen as vital to boosting access to NMIA from the northern MMR (Mumbai Metropolitan Region), greatly enhancing logistics and passenger movement.
Pune-Lonavala Rail Corridor: Faster Regional Trains
- Cost: ₹5,100 crore
- Project: Addition of third and fourth rail lines
- Route: Pune to Lonavala
- Agency: Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation
- Goal: Alleviate congestion and improve frequency on this busy suburban rail route
Pune Metro Expansion: Multiple New Corridors
Approved corridors and extensions include:
- Pimpri–Chinchwad to Nigdi
- Swargate to Katraj (including sub-corridor)
- Vanaz to Chandani Chowk extension
- Ramwadi to Wagholi extension
- New Line 4: Hadapsar–Kharadi–Hadapsar
- Nal Stop to Warje–Manikbagh
This comprehensive metro expansion aims to make Pune one of the best-connected urban regions in India
Nagpur’s Big Leap: Metro Phase-2 and Business Hub
- Metro Phase-2 approved
- Ring road project cleared
- International business township to be developed
Nagpur is gearing up to become a commercial hub, combining infrastructure growth with business district development to attract investment.
At a Glance: Maharashtra’s Transport Overhaul
| City | Project | Investment (₹ Cr) |
|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | Metro Line-11 (Wadala to Gateway of India) | 23,487 |
| Thane | Circular Ring Metro | 12,200 |
| MMR (Region) | Thane–NMIA Elevated Expressway | 6,430 |
| Pune | Pune–Lonavala Rail + Metro Corridors | 5,100+ |
| Nagpur | Metro Phase-2 + Business Township | Not disclosed |
Key Takeaways
- Maharashtra’s ₹47,000+ crore push will modernize urban mobility across major cities
- The projects are expected to reduce traffic, improve public transport, and boost last-mile connectivity
- Seamless integration with existing networks will increase metro and rail efficiency
- The infrastructure push could generate thousands of jobs and attract major investments
From the historic lanes of South Mumbai to the fast-growing corridors of Pune, Thane, and Nagpur, Maharashtra’s latest transport blueprint marks a bold step toward becoming a truly connected, investment-ready, and commuter-friendly state. These projects don’t just add speed—they reshape the future of urban living.
