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Fadnavis Unveils 'Paatal Lok' Tunnel Grid for Mumbai, Sets Timelines for Key Links

Officials outline a staged rollout that pairs new tunnels with coastal and metro links toward a stated 2032 finish.

Overview

  • Announcing a vast underground road network dubbed 'Paatal Lok,' the chief minister said the grid will act as a parallel system to decongest existing corridors.
  • Named works include ThaneBorivali and Mulund–Goregaon tunnels to boost east–west connectivity, plus a BorivaliGoregaon parallel road and a WorliSewri connector expected next year.
  • A tunnel linking the Atal Setu to Girgaon Chowpatty via the Eastern Express Highway is targeted for completion in about three years, according to the CM.
  • Fadnavis said the plan aims to raise average travel speeds toward 80 km/h, with the coastal road to Bhayandar positioned as a barrier‑free alternative to the Western Express Highway, which carries roughly 60% of traffic.
  • Commuter measures highlighted include the Mumbai One unified ticketing app for Metro, suburban trains and BEST buses, a pledge to keep second‑class suburban fares unchanged, and progressive conversion of local trains to air‑conditioned stock.