By Kavita Mistry 
A major update has been dropped by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) regarding its 70-kilometre Integrated Tunnel Road Network. With the Detailed Project Report (DPR) now in the works and consultants being invited to lend their expertise, this mega-project promises to redefine Mumbai’s traffic dynamics.
Could this be the breakthrough the city needs to tackle its infamous congestion? Keep reading to get the gist of what lies ahead!
MMRDA’s 70-km Underground Tunnel Network to Link Mumbai’s Key Transit Hubs and Ease Traffic Woes
As per MMRDA, with plans for future expansion to the Eastern and Western Expressways as well as the north-south urban areas, the proposed Integrated Tunnel Road Network project will construct a 70-kilometre system of underground routes connecting the Mumbai Coastal Road, BKC Bullet Train Terminal, and CSMT Terminal 2.
With the prime aim to reduce the traffic congestion and seamlessly connect the road, rail and air transport in the city, this underground project aims to become an important transportation and commercial hub.
As per the reports, the project development is to be undertaken in 3 phases. The 1st phase would entail 16-km road that shall link Marine Drive-Worli to BKC and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (T2). Notably, it shall also connect the upcoming Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train station.
The 2nd phase would include a 10-km road that shall be linking the Eastern and Western Express Highways through an east-west tunnel. Lastly, the 3rd phase would entail a 44-km north-south corridor running underground across Mumbai.
One Metro, One Mumbai
In a bold move to bring order to the city’s growing metro network, the Maharashtra Government has set up a high-level committee to explore ways to unify and streamline metro rail operations across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). This strategic step aims to enhance coordination between multiple metro agencies — paving the way for a smoother, more connected commute for millions of Mumbaikars.
As per the GR, multiple agencies are currently responsible for the planning, construction and operation of metro services in MMR – which would lead to overlapping functions as well as coordination challenges.
With this move, the state government envisions a seamless, unified metro network under one umbrella — a system designed to boost efficiency, cut through bureaucratic overlap, and deliver a smoother, more reliable experience for millions of daily commuters.
If executed well, this integration could mark a transformative step toward a truly connected and commuter-friendly Mumbai.
Summary
The MMRDA has announced progress on its ambitious 70-km Integrated Tunnel Road Network aimed at easing Mumbai’s traffic by linking key hubs like the Coastal Road, BKC Bullet Train Terminal, and CSMT. Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Government plans to unify metro agencies under one system to streamline operations and create a seamless, commuter-friendly transport network.