The Maharashtra government has approved two major urban infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening connectivity across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and easing traffic congestion in Pune. The Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure, chaired by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai, approved Metro Line 13 connecting Mira Bhayandar with Vasai-Virar and the Soratapwadi to Varve-Shivare section of the Pune Ring Road.
The projects have a combined estimated cost of around Rs 28,227 crore.
The two projects are part of the state's broader push to strengthen urban infrastructure and improve mobility across its major economic centres. The Metro Line 13 is expected to enhance public transport connectivity across the MMR, while the Pune Ring Road extension is aimed at improving road connectivity and reducing congestion in and around Pune.
Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar, Ministers Chandrashekhar Bawankule, ShivendraSinh Raje Bhonsle and Uday Samant, along with senior government officials, were present at the meeting.
Mumbai Metro Line 13 Project
The government approved Metro Line 13 from Mira Bhayandar to Vasai-Virar, a project aimed at improving connectivity across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The corridor will pass through Thane and Palghar districts and will be implemented by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).
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The project has an estimated cost of Rs 17,724.99 crore and will span 25.03 km. Of this, 21.78 km will comprise elevated corridor while 3.25 km will be underground. The Metro corridor is expected to carry around 4.49 lakh passengers daily by 2031.
According to the Maharashtra government, the project could reduce travel time by around 50% compared with road travel, potentially providing significant relief to commuters and improving connectivity between the western suburbs and the wider MMR.
Pune Ring Road Extension Approved
The Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure also approved the Soratapwadi to Varve-Shivare section of the Pune Ring Road. The revised cost of the Eastern Extension of the proposed Pune Ring Road has been pegged at Rs 10,502.36 crore.
The project will be implemented by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) and is aimed at reducing traffic congestion while improving connectivity around Pune. The approved section includes a 31.805-km access-controlled expressway connecting Soratapwadi (Valati) on the Pune-Solapur Road with Varve (Budruk)-Shivare on the Pune-Satara Road.
The project is expected to improve connectivity between key radial routes around Pune and help divert traffic away from the city's congested areas.
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