Mumbai: The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRCL) has awarded a major contract worth 521 crore to J Kumar Infraprojects for the construction of underground pedestrian tunnels connecting the Science Centre Metro station with the Worli seafront and the Nehru Planetarium.
The project is part of MMRCL’s larger effort to strengthen last-mile connectivity for Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line) and improve seamless commuter access in high-density urban zones. The project is expected to be completed by 2028.
Two Underground Corridors Planned
The plan includes two fully underground pedestrian corridors originating from the Science Centre Metro station.
The main 1.1-km tunnel will pass beneath the Mahalaxmi Racecourse and provide direct access to the Worli promenade, one of Mumbai’s major recreational and commercial stretches. A second 500-metre tunnel will connect commuters directly to the Nehru Planetarium, improving access to the city’s cultural zone while reducing road congestion nearby.
Modern Safety and Accessibility Features
According to project details, the pedestrian tunnels will be around 5 metres wide, designed to handle heavy footfall while ensuring safe and comfortable movement.
The underground corridors will include:
- Escalators and elevators
- Multiple entry and exit points
- Ventilation and lighting systems
- Fire safety mechanisms
- CCTV surveillance
- Grade-separated pedestrian access for uninterrupted movement
These features are intended to provide an all-weather, safe, and universally accessible commuting experience without conflict with surface traffic.
Transit-Oriented Development Push
Officials said the tunnels also align with Mumbai’s Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) policy under DCPR 33(23), which encourages better integration between metro stations and nearby real estate developments.
Developers within 500 metres of Metro Line 3 stations can receive additional floor space benefits if they provide direct connectivity to metro infrastructure. This is expected to support both commuter convenience and urban planning goals.
Broader Underground Connectivity Plan
The Worli pedestrian tunnel project is part of a larger MMRCL strategy to create an extensive underground pedestrian network around key Metro Line 3 stations.
A separate 1.4-km underground corridor is also planned in Bandra-Kurla Complex to connect Metro Line 3 with the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train terminal, enabling smoother transfers between major transport systems.
Bigger Picture
Urban experts believe such underground pedestrian infrastructure can significantly reduce road congestion, improve pedestrian safety, and encourage greater metro usage in Mumbai’s busiest commercial districts.
The 521 crore Worli tunnel project marks a major step toward building a more connected, efficient, and commuter-friendly urban transport system in Mumbai, especially as Metro Line 3 expands its role in the city’s daily mobility network.
