14 August,2026 07:30 AM IST | Mumbai | A Correspondent
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis virtually inaugurates the BKC-WEH connector, Chembur Metro station and the second Tunnel Boring Machine for the Thane-Borivli underground road tunnel project, along with other Mahayuti leaders. Pic/X/@Dev_fadnavis
The new connector linking Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) and Western Express Highway (WEH) connector opened to traffic on Thursday, but Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis immediately flagged a problem at its WEH landing - the very point where the new link is expected to ease traffic.
Inaugurating the connector virtually, Chembur Metro station and the second tunnel boring machine (TBM) for the Thane-Borivli underground road tunnel, Fadnavis asked the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to work together on a solution. He suggested examining an underpass or grade separator to separate traffic and ease congestion at the landing.
Vehicles ply on the newly inaugurated BKC-WEH connector. Pics/Nimesh Dave
"Going forward, we need to improve the landing. Due to the landing, the WEH gets somewhat congested. Though it has improved, it needs further refinement. We need to consider whether an underpass or a grade separator can be created there to help segregate traffic," Fadnavis said.
The 1.4-km elevated connector provides a direct link between BKC and the WEH via Mumbai University. It is expected to eliminate multiple traffic signals and ease pressure on roads through Santacruz, Vakola, Kalanagar, Kalina, Kurla and Chembur.
The connector had been under construction since 2017, but a source close to the project said defence clearance was received only in April 2025. Actual construction on the section began in September 2025.
"The defence clearance was received only in April 2025, following which actual construction began in September. The section was then completed in about a year. Had the clearance been granted earlier, the work could have started much sooner."
Sources said the bridge had been ready for around two weeks before opening, with its inauguration awaiting the chief minister's availability.
The Diamond Garden-Chembur Naka stretch of Metro Line 2B also opened to commuters on Thursday.
The first section, between Mandale and Diamond Garden, opened on April 8.
The Chembur station will bring the Metro closer to two other public transport networks:
100 metres
Monorail station on VN Purav Marg
200 metres
Chembur suburban railway station
Fadnavis said around 60 to 70 km of Metro routes are expected to become operational this year.
"Metro construction is moving at a rapid pace. Line by line, we are completing the network. We estimate that 60 to 70 kilometres of Metro route will become operational this year," he said.
Fadnavis also referred to the Centre's decision to use three Vande Bharat train factories to manufacture modern suburban trains under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP).
According to him
2027: First batch of new trains expected
End-2029/ March 2030: Entire suburban railway system expected to have the new trains
He said the trains would be automatic, air-conditioned and modern.
"Earlier, a perception existed that metro commuters enjoyed a comfortable ride while local train commuters faced a stressful journey. That distinction will now be completely eliminated," he said.
The second TBM, Arjuna, was launched on Thursday to begin excavation beneath the Sanjay Gandhi National Park for the Thane-Borivli underground road tunnel project.
The first TBM, Nayak, began excavation two months ago.
"We launched the first TBM, Nayak, two months ago, and today we are launching the second TBM, Arjuna. Work on both tunnels will now proceed simultaneously," Fadnavis said.
He said tunnelling from both ends would speed up construction and help overcome initial hurdles on the Borivli side. "This is a monumental project for the people of Mumbai," he said.
10.25 km: Project length stated in the project details
2: Three-lane tunnels
60-90 minutes: Current Thane-Borivli journey time
Around 15 minutes: Expected journey time after completion
The tunnels will run beneath the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, connecting Tikuji-Ni-Wadi in Thane with the Western Express Highway in Borivli. The project is also expected to ease congestion on Ghodbunder Road.
The elevated connector through G Block of BKC to the main highway was named after the late Babasaheb Bhosale, a barrister and former chief minister of Maharashtra.
Fadnavis said the connector would provide significant relief to commuters, with journeys that earlier took hours expected to take minutes. He also congratulated the MMRDA for executing the infrastructure projects.
"The MMRDA has played a vital role in shaping Mumbai's infrastructure. Today, it stands as an institution with unparalleled experience in delivering iconic public infrastructure projects, including complex engineering marvels like the Atal Setu," Fadnavis said.
1.4 km
Length
Rs 209.56 cr
Total cost
Rs 148 cr
Elevated bridge
Rs 61.56 cr
Vakola bridge and allied works
October 17, 2017
Day work commenced
