Maharashtra Budget 2026–27: Metro Expansion, Tunnels, Sea Links and Expressways Drive State’s Transport Push

Mumbai: The Maharashtra Budget 2026–27 outlines an extensive expansion of transport infrastructure across the state, with the government announcing new metro corridors, underground tunnels, expressways and coastal road projects aimed at strengthening connectivity.

Presenting the Budget in the Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the government plans to develop 1,200 kilometres of metro networks and more than 6,000 kilometres of expressways by 2047 to create a seamless transport system for passenger and freight movement across Maharashtra.

Currently, metro projects covering 490 kilometres in Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur are under implementation, out of which 173 kilometres have already been opened for traffic. The government plans to operationalise another 50 kilometres of metro lines during the coming year, while 165 kilometres of additional metro corridors are expected to become operational by 2029.

Among the major announcements for Mumbai, the government confirmed the Mumbai Metro Line-11 project from Wadala to Gateway of India, a fully underground corridor estimated to cost ₹23,487 crore. The project is also proposed to be extended to connect Dharavi Redevelopment areas with Bandra suburban railway station and Bandra Terminus.

The government also announced the Mumbai Metro Line-8 project connecting the existing Mumbai Airport with Navi Mumbai International Airport, with an estimated cost of ₹22,862 crore.

To address congestion on urban roads, the government said it plans to build a network of underground tunnels in Mumbai and Pune. Construction work has already started on the tunnel linking Orange Gate on the Eastern Freeway to Marine Drive in Mumbai.

Several other road infrastructure projects are also progressing, including the Goregaon–Mulund underground tunnel, the Thane–Borivali tunnel project worth ₹18,838 crore and the Kharghar–Turbhe tunnel project.

The Budget also highlighted ongoing coastal and sea bridge projects. Work on the Swatantryaveer Savarkar Bandra–Versova Sea Bridge is in progress and expected to be completed by May 2028, while the Versova–Dahisar–Bhayander coastal road project is also underway.

In addition, a sea link between Uttan and Virar is being developed to improve connectivity towards the upcoming Vadhavan port.

Also Read: Maharashtra Budget 2026–27: ‘Mumbai 3.0’, Slum Redevelopment and Startup Hub Announced for MMR

The government also announced several elevated road projects aimed at improving traffic flow in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, including the Sewri–Worli elevated road, which will create a signal-free corridor linking the Atal Setu with the coastal road and Bandra–Worli Sea Link.

In the rail sector, the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) 3B has been approved at a cost of ₹14,907 crore, under which new suburban rail corridors will be developed between Badlapur–Karjat, Asangaon–Kasara and Panvel–Vasai.

The government also announced approval for the Pune Metro Phase-II project, which will extend metro connectivity from Khadakwasla to Hadapsar and Kharadi, with further links towards Loni Kalbhor and Saswad Road.

At the state level, the government said a large-scale road development programme is being implemented under the Maharashtra Amrut Kal Road Development Plan 2025–2047, which includes construction of 6,272 kilometres of expressways, 14,919 kilometres of state and district roads and 4,247 kilometres of tourism circuit roads.

According to the government, these transport infrastructure projects are aimed at improving mobility, reducing travel time and supporting the state’s economic growth strategy.