Mumbai Metro, Rail, And Malls To Be Connected: MMRDA To Build 4 New Footbridges Across City

The long-awaited integration of Mumbai's metro and suburban train systems is finally moving forward. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has shared plans to build several new foot overbridges (FOBs) to physically connect key suburban railway stations with the upcoming Metro Lines 4 and 4A. These metro lines will run from Wadala in central Mumbai to Kasarvadavali in Thane, according to a Hindustan Times (HT) report.

The new FOBs will help commuters easily move between suburban railway and metro stations at Pant Nagar, Vikhroli, and Bhandup. Another footbridge will connect Metro Line 6 with Metro Line 3 at Aarey, helping people switch smoothly between the east-west and north-south metro corridors.

According to a senior MMRDA official, the footbridges will be built in a way that links them to existing skywalks wherever possible. The bridges will be between 200 and 1,000 metres long, depending on available land and space. Tenders have already been announced, and the bids will be opened by the end of the month.

For a long time, Mumbaikars have been asking for better links between different public transport systems. Manpreet Singh, a Ghatkopar resident, said, "This will be a big relief, especially at Pant Nagar. Authorities should also think about adding autorickshaw stands at metro stations for last-mile travel."

Vikhroli and Bhandup stations, located near LBS Road, are already close to the railway tracks, so they are ideal for this plan. In areas like Pant Nagar, even though the railway and metro are farther apart, the proposed bridges will allow safe and easy walking access.

The four planned footbridges are expected to cost around Rs 129 crore and should be completed in 15 months, including delays due to the monsoon. In addition, about Rs 7.98 crore will be spent to shift underground utilities like power cables, gas pipes, and water lines.

Transport experts have welcomed the move. Madhu Kotian, president of Mumbai Rail Pravasi Sangh, said, "Planning was done separately for too long. These footbridges show a bigger plan for smooth travel. They will also help reduce crowding at suburban train stations."

The Aarey junction is expected to become a major transport hub. MMRDA plans to build a 200-300 metre footbridge to link Seepz station on Metro Line 6 with the Aarey JVLR station on Metro Line 3, which is at ground level.

At present, only a few metro stations are connected, such as Gundavali (Metro-7) and Western Express Highway (Metro-1), or Andheri (Metro-2A) and DN Nagar (Metro-1). Experts say many chances to connect other close-by stations like Poinsar and National Park have been missed.

However, MMRDA says more projects are in the pipeline. These include a footbridge from Ram Mandir railway station to Goregaon East Metro station (Line 7), and a direct link between Devipada Metro station and the Oberoi SkyCity mall. Plans are also being made to connect Nirlon Knowledge Park and Oberoi Mall with Aarey Metro Station.

"MMRDA is working on an overall development plan," the official added. "We want to connect metro lines with railway stations, shopping centres, main roads, and even airports using footbridges, pod taxis, and other last-mile travel options."