Mumbai, 11 January 2026 (Udaipur Kiran) – Over the past decade, Mumbai has witnessed unprecedented changes in infrastructure, housing, and public services. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the Mumbai Transformation Vision focused on reducing daily commuting challenges, easing traffic congestion, and establishing Mumbai as a modern global city while strengthening its role as INDIA’s financial capital.

The most visible impact of this transformation is seen in infrastructure projects that had been stalled for years but were rapidly completed. A coordinated master plan integrated roads, sea links, metro corridors, and airport expansions. This approach addressed immediate urban issues and supported Mumbai’s long-term ambitions to emerge as a leading financial and technology hub in Asia.

At the core of the master plan was connectivity. The government prioritized an integrated transport network linking roads, railways, metro lines, and waterways. Long-pending projects received approvals, funding, and strict timelines to provide real relief to commuters.

One landmark project in this effort is the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (Atal Setu), a 21.8-kilometre sea bridge connecting Sewri in South Mumbai to Nhava Sheva near Navi Mumbai. This link has improved access to the Pune and Goa highways, reduced pressure on existing roadways, and opened new opportunities for industrial, commercial, and logistics development.

The Coastal Road Project along the western coastline has transformed travel between Nariman Point and northern suburbs. Designed to ease longstanding traffic congestion in South Mumbai, this road has made commuting faster, reduced fuel consumption, and lowered pollution levels, while incorporating necessary environmental safeguards.

The expansion of Mumbai’s metro network has also played a key role in the city’s renewal. After years of slow progress, fresh approvals and funding accelerated projects like Metro Line-3 (Colaba–Bandra–SEEPZ) and suburban lines 2A and 7. These high-capacity routes have increased daily ridership and eased pressure on suburban railways. Improved last-mile connectivity around metro stations has further boosted residential and commercial development.

Alongside transport improvements, Fadnavis’s government linked urban development with a broader economic strategy. The aim was to establish Mumbai as a strong global financial and fintech hub. Efforts included aviation expansion, digital infrastructure, and policies supporting startups and multinational companies.

The Navi Mumbai International Airport emerged as a key project within this vision. Addressing growing air traffic demands, the airport has spurred new townships, office spaces, and logistics hubs in Navi Mumbai and Raigad, generating employment opportunities. Incentives for data centres and technology parks have attracted major global companies.

Inclusive development was another major focus. The government ensured growth benefits reached all sections of society through large-scale slum rehabilitation, upgrading public housing, and redevelopment of old chawls. The Dharavi Redevelopment Project is among the world’s most ambitious urban renewal efforts, providing legal housing, improved infrastructure, and new opportunities for local industries. Similarly, the BDD Chawl Redevelopment prioritizes fair rehabilitation for middle-income residents.

Water transport was revitalised with the introduction of water taxis and Ro-Ro ferry services, connecting Mumbai to Navi Mumbai and Alibag. These alternatives have eased pressure on roads and local trains.

To ensure timely completion of mega projects, the Chief Minister established a war room to overcome land, environmental, and administrative hurdles through better inter-departmental coordination. Environmental sustainability was integral to the plans, including expanding electric bus fleets, investing in sewage treatment plants, and incorporating coastal protection measures. Given population growth and land scarcity, vertical development and transit-oriented planning were promoted.

Today, many residents experience the benefits as faster travel, improved public transport, and new urban spaces. Supporters view this phase of development as a long-term vision to enhance quality of life and maintain Mumbai’s global competitiveness. Projects like Atal Setu, the expanded metro network, the Coastal Road, and large-scale redevelopment have redefined Mumbai’s urban identity. The development model under Devendra Fadnavis’s leadership is now being studied by other Indian states.