Mumbai’s mega infrastructure projects (Representational Image)
Photo : Times Now
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- The Metro 3 underground line’s first phase will open in October 2024, easing congestion on roads and railways.
- The new Vashi Creek Bridge is set to expand to 12 lanes by September 2024, eliminating bottlenecks on the Sion-Panvel Highway.
- Phase I of the Navi Mumbai International Airport will open by March 2025, handling 20 million passengers annually.
Mumbai: Mumbai is all set for a significant transformation over the next nine months, with key infrastructure projects set to alleviate congestion and enhance connectivity. Leading this change is the Metro 3 underground line, which promises to ease the burden on the city’s crowded roads and overused suburban railways. In addition, the Navi Mumbai International Airport’s first terminal and the completion of the missing link on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway are expected to greatly improve travel efficiency in and around the city.
Major Projects Set to Open by 2024:
1. New Vashi Creek Bridge (September 2024)
The new six-lane bridge, alongside the existing one, will expand the total capacity to 12 lanes. This upgrade is anticipated to eliminate traffic bottlenecks, particularly on the Sion-Panvel Highway, offering smoother transit between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
2. Samruddhi Mahamarg (October 2024)
Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway, also know as the Samruddhi Mahamarg, will open by October, slashing road travel time between Mumbai and Nagpur to eight hours.
3. Metro 3, Phase I (October 2024)
The first phase of Mumbai’s Metro 3 underground line is expected to open between Aarey and the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC). This phase will feature 10 stations, including key hubs like the international and domestic airports. The line is anticipated to ease pressure on Mumbai’s busy roads and railways.
4. Santacruz-Chembur Link Road (SCLR) Extension (October 2024)
An extension of the SCLR, including a cable-stayed bridge linking the Western Express Highway (WEH) to Vakola Junction, will significantly enhance east-west connectivity, reducing travel time between eastern and western suburbs.
5. Full Coastal Road (December 2024)
Completion of the Coastal Road project will ensure seamless, signal-free two-way traffic between Marine Drive and the T2 terminal of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, via Bandra.
Projects Slated for Completion in 2025:
1. New Vashi Creek Bridge (February 2025)
The south-bound portion of the Vashi Creek Bridge is scheduled for completion by February, doubling the current capacity. New toll booths and administrative infrastructure are also expected to be operational.
2. Navi Mumbai International Airport, Phase I (March 2025)
Phase I of the Navi Mumbai Airport, featuring a single runway and a terminal with an annual capacity of handling 20 million passengers, is expected to alleviate the pressure on Mumbai’s current airport. Key navigation instruments for the airport have already been commissioned.
3. Metro 3, Phase II (May 2025)
The second phase of the Metro 3 line will extend from Dharavi to Cuffe Parade, completing the corridor with 16 additional stations, providing an important transit link across the city.
4. Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link (June 2025)
The completion of the “missing link” on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway will reduce travel time between the two cities by approximately 30 minutes. The project includes two cable-stayed bridges and the world’s widest twin tunnels, measuring 47 metres.