by datta Nighut 
Mumbai is on the brink of significant infrastructure advancements in 2025. After years of delays and construction, several key projects are finally nearing completion, promising to reshape the city’s connectivity and ease traffic woes. Here’s a look at what’s in store for Mumbai this year.
Key Takeaways Mumbai Infrastructure Projects 2025
- Navi Mumbai International Airport set to open in May 2025.
- Mumbai’s first underground Metro corridor nearing completion.
- New bridges over Thane Creek to ease traffic.
- Missing link on Mumbai-Pune Expressway expected to save travel time.
Navi Mumbai International Airport
One of the most anticipated projects is the Navi Mumbai International Airport. After years of planning and delays, it’s finally set to be inaugurated in April 2025, with commercial operations starting in May. This airport will feature:
- A single operational runway in the first phase.
- A terminal building with a capacity of 2 crore passengers annually.
- Future plans for two parallel runways.
The airport’s journey began back in 1997, but it faced numerous hurdles, including site selection and environmental clearances. Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone in 2018, and construction officially started in 2021.
Mumbai’s First Underground Metro Corridor
Another major project is the underground Metro corridor from Colaba to Seepz. In 2024, a portion of this corridor was opened, and by March 2025, operations are expected to extend to Acharya Atre in Worli. The entire line will stretch 33.5 km and is almost complete, with just some finishing touches left. This project has faced its share of controversies, particularly regarding construction in ecologically sensitive areas.
Missing Link on Mumbai-Pune Expressway
The missing link on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway is also set to be completed in 2025. This project aims to alleviate the notorious traffic jams, especially around the Lonavla-Ghat section. Key features include:
- Construction of two tunnels and two bridges.
- Expected to save at least 30 minutes of travel time between Mumbai and Pune.
While officials are optimistic about the completion, they are cautious about providing a specific deadline due to ongoing work on critical components.
New Bridges Over Thane Creek
To further ease traffic, new bridges over Thane Creek are in the works. These bridges will connect Navi Mumbai to Mumbai, providing an alternative route to the toll road of Atal Setu. The existing bridges have struggled with heavy traffic, especially during peak hours. The new bridges will:
- Include a southbound bridge to facilitate traffic from Navi Mumbai into Mumbai.
- Help reduce congestion on the older bridges, which have been in use since 1973 and 1997.
Final Stretch of the Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway
The final stretch of the Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway is also nearing completion. This stretch will significantly cut travel time between these two major cities from 16 hours to about 7-8 hours. The expressway spans 701 km, and its first phase was completed in December 2022.
Challenges Ahead
While many projects are on track, some face delays. The Worli-Shivaji Elevated Corridor, crucial for traffic to the new airport, is now expected to take longer than initially planned. Additionally, other Metro lines are nearing completion but are encountering issues with car depots.
In conclusion, 2025 is shaping up to be a transformative year for Mumbai’s infrastructure. With these projects, the city is set to improve connectivity and ease the daily commute for millions. Here’s to a prosperous New Year and the exciting developments ahead!
