Metro 3, Samruddhi Expressway, And More: PM Modi To Kickstart Mumbai’s Mega Infrastructure Projects Soon

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Mumbai on October 4 to inaugurate several significant infrastructure projects. Among these is the partial opening of the long-awaited Mumbai Metro 3, which will operate between Aarey Colony and Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC).

Sources have confirmed in Hindustan Times that PM Modi's visit will also see the launch of other major infrastructure initiatives. These include the inauguration of one corridor of the Thane Creek Bridge, the final phase of the Samruddhi Mahamarg (Expressway), and the foundation stone laying for the Thane Ring Metro project, among others.

"Three dates between October 3 and 5 are being considered for the inaugurations. With multiple government agencies involved, the most likely date is October 4," a source revealed.

The partial opening of the Aqua Line, which runs from Aarey to BKC, will cover 12.5 km and feature 10 stations. This section is part of the larger 33.5 km underground Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ metro corridor, which will eventually have 27 stations. The remaining stations are still under construction and are expected to be ready by March 2025.

The Metro 3 project began in August 2014, when its groundbreaking ceremony was held at Marol in Andheri East, officiated by then Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan and former Union Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu. Construction commenced on 21 October 2016.

In addition to the Metro, PM Modi is expected to inaugurate the Navi Mumbai-bound lanes of the Thane Creek Bridge. This 1.84 km bridge will ease traffic for thousands of motorists commuting between Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Pune.

Another major project set for inauguration is the final stretch of the Samruddhi Mahamarg (Expressway). This expressway, designed to connect the Mumbai Metropolitan Region to Nagpur, is 701 km long. The final phase, covering 76 km from Igatpuri to Amane near Bhiwandi, will complete the project. The Samruddhi Expressway will also link up with the Mumbai-Vadodara Expressway and the existing Mumbai-Nashik Highway.

Earlier phases of the Samruddhi Expressway were inaugurated by PM Modi in December 2022 and May 2023, covering 520 km from Nagpur to Shirdi and another 105 km between Shirdi and Bharvir.

Lastly, PM Modi is expected to lay the foundation stone for the Thane Ring Metro Rail project, which was recently approved by the Union cabinet. The project is estimated to cost Rs 12,200 crore and will feature a 29 km circular route with 22 stations.

Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited has already appointed STUP Consultants to design 8 km of the planned corridor. This ambitious project is part of the government's plan to improve connectivity in Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's home turf of Thane.

These infrastructure projects are expected to significantly boost the region's connectivity and ease traffic for daily commuters across Mumbai and neighbouring areas.