In an exclusive interview with Varda Sharma, Editor of Newsband, Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, Metropolitan Commissioner of MMRDA, discusses the transformative infrastructure projects shaping Mumbai's future. From the Metro Line-5 milestone to the Eastern Freeway Extension and Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, Dr. Mukherjee shares insights on MMRDA’s efforts to reduce traffic congestion, enhance connectivity, and position the Mumbai Metropolitan Region as a global economic hub.

NB: Can you please elaborate on the recent milestone achieved in the Metro Line-5 (Thane-Bhiwandi) project with the erection of the special spans using high-capacity cranes? What does this achievement mean for the overall progress of the project?

A : In the ongoing Metro Line-5 (Thane-Bhiwandi) project, we achieved a significant milestone with the successful erection of two special spans measuring 57.50m and 46.00m using high-capacity cranes (450T and 700T). This complex operation was executed in a challenging environment, including a busy road and above the Majiwada Flyover in a densely populated residential area.

Extensive safety measures and traffic regulations were strictly adhered to, and the operation was completed seamlessly in just five hours during the night to minimize traffic disruption. The 57.50m span between Pier 10-11 required tandem lifting of girders weighing 290 MT on Ghodbunder Road, while the 46.00m span on the Thane-Bhiwandi road was completed using a super-lift arrangement. Traffic was promptly restored after the operation, ensuring minimal impact on the community.

This achievement highlights our engineering expertise and dedication to timely project completion. It also sets a benchmark for future phases of the project and facilitates the integration of Metro Lines 4 and 5 for smooth train operations, significantly enhancing Mumbai’s urban transportation network.

NB: Please explain the concept behind ‘Mumbai in Minutes.’ What specific infrastructure developments are being prioritized to address the city's traffic challenges?

A: The ‘Mumbai in Minutes’ concept envisions reducing travel time across the city to under an hour. This vision is being realized through a combination of existing and upcoming infrastructure projects developed collaboratively by MMRDA, BMC, and MSRDC.

MMRDA’s contributions include projects such as the Orange Gate Tunnel, Sewri-Worli Connector, Thane-Borivali Tunnel, Gaimukh-Bhayander Tunnel and Elevated Road, Thane Coastal Road, three creek bridges across Thane Creek, Anand Nagar-Saket Elevated Road, and the Eastern Freeway Extension from Ghatkopar to Anand Nagar, Thane. Collectively, these projects will form a comprehensive ring-road system, providing seamless connectivity across Mumbai and Thane.

This initiative, along with MSRDC’s Versova-Bandra Sea Link and Virar-Alibaug Multimodal Corridor, and BMC’s various link roads, will significantly ease traffic congestion and enhance the city’s overall mobility.

NB: The state government aims to transform the Mumbai Metropolitan Region into a global economic hub. Can you please share more details about the specific goals of this initiative and MMRDA’s role as the Special Planning Authority?

A: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) is poised to become a global economic hub, and MMRDA is spearheading this transformation as the Special Planning Authority. A critical aspect of this initiative is the preparation of a Development Plan for 1,250 sq. km., focusing on connectivity, industrial growth, and logistics infrastructure.

For example, Palghar, with its growing industrial areas like Boisar and the Vadhavan Port, is emerging as a key hub. The plan emphasizes creating logistics parks and industrial zones along the coast, enabling faster movement of goods and boosting exports. These efforts aim to strengthen MMR’s position as an economic powerhouse for the state and the nation.

NB: With the government’s focus on holistic development in areas like Palghar, Vasai, and Panvel, how does MMRDA plan to transition from ad hoc development to a structured approach?

A : MMRDA has been designated as the ‘Special Planning Authority’ for the extended areas of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. We have engaged a planning consultant to prepare a GIS-based Development Plan over a 24-month period.

This plan incorporates major transportation projects such as the High-Speed Rail, Versova-Virar-Palghar Coastal Road, Mumbai-Vadodara Expressway, and the Multimodal Corridor. It focuses on expanding existing infrastructure, especially in peripheral and underserved areas, to improve accessibility and support sustainable growth.

NB: Can you please provide an update on the Thane to Anand Nagar elevated road project? How will this improve connectivity with Navi Mumbai and other regions?

A : The Eastern Freeway Extension from Ghatkopar to Anand Nagar, Thane, is a 13.4 km elevated road with 3+3 lanes. This project will seamlessly extend the existing Eastern Freeway’s connectivity from South Mumbai to Thane.

Intermediate ramps between Vikhroli and Kanjurmarg Junctions, as well as Kanjurmarg and Airoli Bridge Junctions, will enable access for traffic from areas like Powai, Bhandup, Mulund, and Navi Mumbai. This strategic project will significantly enhance connectivity between South Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Thane, reducing travel time and congestion.

NB: What is the current status of the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) connector, particularly the

A : The MTHL connector project involves constructing a 6-lane elevated corridor from the Chirle Interchange of MTHL to Gavan Phata (4.298 km) and from Palaspe Phata to the Mumbai-Pune Expressway (1.700 km). The contractor, M/s Gawar Construction Ltd., was issued the Notice to Proceed on August 16, 2024, with a construction timeline of 30 months and an expected completion by February 2027.

Key progress includes the completion of geotechnical investigations, setup of casting yards and site offices, and ongoing excavation work for foundations in the Chirle section. Utility identification work is also completed at 17 foundation locations. This project is pivotal in enhancing regional connectivity and supporting economic growth.

MMRDA is actively working towards transforming the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) into a model of sustainable living by implementing forward-thinking infrastructure projects. By focusing on enhancing connectivity and reducing travel time, MMRDA is revolutionizing urban mobility. Through initiatives like the Mumbai Metro, and the Thane Borivali Twin tunnels, orange gate tunnel road Eastern Freeway Extension, MMRDA is ensuring that people can travel seamlessly across the region, reaching their destinations in less than an hour. These efforts contribute to a cleaner, more efficient, and environmentally-friendly transportation system, paving the way for a future where MMR thrives as a sustainable, liveable, and well-connected metropolis.