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Devendra Fadnavis announced plans to build a vast underground “Paatal Lok” tunnel network across Mumbai to decongest traffic and improve connectivity.
A file photo of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis (PTI)
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday unveiled plans for an extensive underground network of tunnels across Mumbai, aiming to reduce the city’s chronic traffic congestion.
Speaking at the IIMUN (India’s International Movement to Unite Nations) Youth Connect session on youth participation in governance, Fadnavis described the proposed tunnel system as a “Paatal Lok,” drawing a light-hearted analogy with the popular Hindi web series of the same name.
Explaining the initiative, the Chief Minister said, “We are creating a ‘Paatal Lok’, a widespread network of tunnels across Mumbai city for complete decongestion.”
“It will function as a parallel network to existing roads,” he said, adding that the tunnel system would complement the city’s metro expansion, creating an integrated urban transport solution.
Fadnavis highlighted that the planned underground roads are designed to provide seamless travel across multiple directions in the city.
“It will be a parallel network to existing roads,” he said, stressing that alongside the tunnels, the expansion of metro corridors will work in tandem to relieve pressure on the city’s arterial routes.
The Chief Minister also cited the coastal road from South Mumbai to Bhayandar in Thane district as a crucial component of the plan, which would serve as a barrier-free parallel route to the Western Express Highway.
“Sixty per cent of Mumbai moves on the Western Expressway. Until you decongest it, there is no solution. We are creating a network of parallel roads, where your average speed will be 80 km per hour,” Fadnavis said.
The Chief Minister provided details of ongoing and upcoming tunnel projects, including the Thane-Borivali and Mulund-Goregaon tunnels, which will improve east-west connectivity.
A parallel road connecting Borivali to Goregaon and the Worli-Shivdi connector, expected to open next year, is planned to link Atal Setu with the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, enabling smoother movement across the city, he said at the event.
Fadnavis further outlined a tunnel connecting Atal Setu to Girgaon Chowpatty via the Eastern Express Highway, slated for completion in three years.
“It will be a solution to the current traffic jams,” he said.
Mumbai, Maharashtra: At IIMUN’s Youth Connect session on Involvement of Youth in Governance, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis says, “, ..We are preparing a plan to create a Pataal Lok. Pataal Lok means that we will create a network of complete tunnels in Mumbai, a parallel… pic.twitter.com/6tGTrVBZMm— IANS (@ians_india) November 24, 2025
In addition, a proposed tunnel from Bandra to the Bandra Kurla Complex is expected to reduce travel time to the domestic airport to just 20 minutes.
On the public transport front, the Chief Minister highlighted the launch of the integrated Mumbai One app, which will allow commuters to use a single ticket for Metro rail, suburban trains, and BEST buses.
“Nearly 90 lakh people travel daily through suburban trains. Despite so many changes, the fare will not be increased by a single rupee for the second class,” he assured.
Fadnavis also mentioned that all suburban train services will gradually become air-conditioned, enhancing commuter comfort.
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Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
November 24, 2025, 14:31 IST
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