_‘Mumbai in 59 Minutes’ will soon become a reality as integrated road, tunnel, metro and ring-road network transforms connectivity across the MMR: Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, Metropolitan Commissioner, MMRDA_

MUMBAI, NATIONAL, SEPTEMBER 3, 2026 | GPN, SACHIN MURDESHWAR: Mumbai is set for a transformational leap in connectivity, with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) advancing a comprehensive network of roads, tunnels, sea links, metro corridors and regional connectivity projects that will progressively bring travel across the region closer to the vision of “Mumbai in 59 Minutes.”

Speaking at the 6th edition of Real Estate & Infrastructure Investors’ Summit – REIIS 2026 – organised by NAREDCO Maharashtra today in Mumbai, he was addressing the session on opportunities in the wake of Mumbai 3.0 session, *Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, Metropolitan Commissioner, MMRDA* said that all ongoing infrastructure projects being undertaken by MMRDA are targeted for completion by December 2028, against the given deadline of December 2029.

Dr Mukherjee said, “Mumbai has finance, it has the best human capital, but what is scarce is time. The concept of ‘Mumbai in 59 Minutes’ is about giving that time back to the Mumbaikar. Our objective is to create seamless east-west and north-south connectivity so that people can travel across the region faster, more efficiently and with greater predictability. The change in connectivity will be visible very soon, and Mumbai in 59 Minutes will soon become a reality.”

*MMRDA is developing a multi-modal transportation ecosystem designed to connect Mumbai’s key business districts, residential clusters, airports, ports and emerging growth centres.*
The road connectivity programme is being developed as an integrated network of approximately 10 major link-road and connectivity interventions, creating faster east-west and north-south movement across the city and the wider metropolitan region.

The network will strengthen connections from Nariman Point and Cuffe Parade through the Eastern Freeway and MTHL, while integrating important corridors such as the SCLR, Worli connectivity, JVLR and other strategic links.

The Bandra–Versova Sea Link and subsequent connectivity towards Dahisar, Balkum and the Eastern Freeway will further strengthen the western and eastern corridors.

Work on the SCLR has also commenced, adding another critical component to Mumbai’s expanding road network, Dr Mukherjee informed.

Together, these projects are aimed at creating a continuous mobility grid rather than isolated road corridors — enabling traffic to disperse across multiple routes and substantially reducing travel times.

*Thane–Borivali Tunnel gathers pace*
One of the most complex components of the region’s new connectivity architecture – the Thane–Borivali twin-tunnel project is progressing rapidly.

With key clearance-related issues addressed, two Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) have been deployed, accelerating the underground construction programme.

The tunnel is expected to dramatically reduce travel time between Thane and Borivali, with the journey expected to come down to approximately 15 minutes once operational.

The project is particularly significant because it creates a direct underground connection between the eastern and western suburbs, bypassing the existing longer road routes.

*A new underground mobility corridor through BKC*
MMRDA is also advancing highly sophisticated tunnelling solutions in some of Mumbai’s most challenging urban areas.

A major underground corridor connecting Mahim–Dharavi with Bandra and the BKC area is envisaged as part of this larger connectivity network. The system will further extend connectivity towards the airport, Western Express Highway and JVLR, creating a high-capacity east-west mobility corridor.

The BKC region itself is expected to see a major tunnel infrastructure intervention, employing advanced tunnelling technology comparable with systems used in leading cities across the world.

*337 km Metro network to complement road infrastructure*
Road infrastructure will be supported by an expanding mass-transit network.

MMRDA is developing approximately 337 km of metro network, making it one of the Authority’s largest infrastructure programmes. The network comprises 14 metro lines, including four metro lines in the CIDCO region.

The emerging public transportation ecosystem will also explore innovative rapid transportation solutions such as pod taxis, offering an inexpensive and efficient additional mobility option for selected corridors.

The objective is to provide Mumbaikars with multiple mobility choices rather than dependence on a single mode of transportation.

*Mumbai 3.0: Creating the next growth geography*
Dr Mukherjee said that connectivity must go hand-in-hand with planned urbanisation and a high quality of life.

The Mumbai 3.0 development vision encompasses approximately 323 sq km, of which around 124 sq km is reserved land. The development approach will seek to combine new urban growth with substantial green spaces and improved liveability.

Dr Mukherjee added, “Infrastructure alone cannot solve Mumbai’s mobility challenge. Roads, tunnels, metro and public transportation have to be supported by traffic rules, regulations and discipline. Citizens also have an important role to play in making the city’s transportation system work efficiently.”

*Rs 48,000-crore MMRDA budget to support bankable infrastructure*
MMRDA’s infrastructure expansion is backed by a budget of approximately Rs 48,000 crore. Dr Mukherjee highlighted the importance of financial discipline and execution capability in delivering large-scale infrastructure projects. MMRDA’s ability to execute projects within defined timelines and meet its financial commitments helps control escalation in project costs and supports the development of bankable infrastructure projects.

He said, “Budget matters because infrastructure projects have to be bankable. MMRDA is a highly leveraged organisation, and we ensure that our instalments are paid on time. When projects are executed on time, costs are controlled. This discipline is critical for an organisation executing infrastructure of this scale.”

*From Mumbai to the MMR: A connected metropolitan future*
The transformation underway is not limited to Mumbai city. The emerging infrastructure grid is intended to integrate the wider Mumbai Metropolitan Region and create stronger economic links between Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, the airport region, the western suburbs and emerging growth centres.

The combination of metro corridors, highways, link roads, tunnels, sea links and innovative transportation systems is expected to progressively compress travel times and expand the geography within which people can live, work and do business.

Dr Mukherjee said that the future of Maharashtra’s economic growth will increasingly be centred around the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

“The future is bright. Within Maharashtra, the future is the MMR. Our focus is to create the infrastructure that will enable this region to grow, connect and prosper. Mumbai in 59 Minutes is not just a slogan; it is the direction in which the entire mobility network is being built,” he added.