Mumbai, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday inaugurated two key infrastructure projects in Mumbai and its metropolitan region, and said they would help improve mobility and connectivity in the city and its adjoining areas.
He inaugurated the projects via a video link from the Sahyadri Guest House in south Mumbai. Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar and others were also present.
Fadnavis inaugurated the final BKC-Vakola arm of the Santacruz-Chembur Link Road Phase-2 and the Chembur Metro station on Metro Line 2B. He also launched 'Arjuna', the second tunnel boring machine for the Thane-Borivali twin-tunnel road project.
Speaking on the occasion, Fadnavis said these projects were important additions to Mumbai's urban infrastructure and would help improve mobility and connectivity in the metropolitan region.
Six connectivity links had been planned in 2017-18 to decongest the Bandra-Kurla Complex area, but eight links had ultimately been created, with the last link inaugurated on Thursday, he said.
He said the BKC-Vakola portion of the SCLR on Bharat Nagar Road would improve connectivity and help regulate traffic moving out of BKC.
The CM, however, said further improvements would be required to ensure smooth traffic flow and prevent congestion on the Western Express Highway.
Welcoming the the Union government's decision of procuring 238 new AC suburban local from three production units of railways under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project , Fadnavis said the first batch of new suburban trains was expected by 2027 and all new trains would be introduced by 2029-30.
"The objective is to provide Mumbai commuters with a modern, metro-like suburban rail system," he said.
Fadnavis also launched 'Arjuna', the second TBM for the Thane-Borivali twin-tunnel project. The first TBM, 'Nayak', was launched in April.
The twin tunnels, being constructed to provide a direct east-west road connection between Thane and Borivali, are expected to reduce travel time between the two areas from about 60-90 minutes to around 12 to 15 minutes.
Fadnavis said both TBMs would now be deployed simultaneously from their respective sides after various obstacles had been overcome, thereby accelerating the tunnelling work.
He also inaugurated an elevated connector in the G-Block area of BKC, which is expected to provide faster connectivity and reduce travel time for motorists.
At the event, an infrastructure facility was also named after former Maharashtra chief minister Babasaheb Bhosale.
Fadnavis said people who had contributed to the development of Maharashtra should always be remembered.
The projects, implemented by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority and other agencies, are aimed at improving connectivity and easing traffic congestion in the Mumbai metropolitan region.
This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
