Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation Ltd has commissioned a feasibility study to transform South Mumbai’s busiest suburban rail stretches into underground alignments. The study, conducted with Central and Western Railways, will examine the feasibility of moving sections like the Churchgate-Mumbai Central corridor (DMRC) underground before reconnecting at Mumbai Central. The project may not require private land acquisition, as alignments are expected to be developed on railway-owned land. Mumbai India’s financial powerhouse and one of the most densely populated cities in the world is preparing for a monumental leap in its transport infrastructure.
The Maharashtra government and Indian Railways have come together to plan a comprehensive feasibility study for underground suburban rail links. This ambitious project seeks to transform the way millions of Mumbaikars travel every day by shifting major suburban train operations underground, thereby reducing congestion on surface-level lines and improving the city’s overall mobility ecosystem For decades, Mumbai’s suburban rail network has been the lifeline of the city, carrying over 8 million passengers daily. However, with the city’s rapid urbanization and limited land availability, expanding or modernizing the existing surface rail corridors has become nearly impossible.
The Vision Behind the Underground Rail Study
Thus, the concept of underground suburban links aims to address both capacity and environmental challenges while aligning with India’s long-term smart transport vision The main goal of this study is to explore the feasibility of constructing underground corridors parallel to existing suburban lines such as the Western, Central, and Harbour routes. By moving significant portions of the traffic below ground, authorities expect to decongest the current system, minimize land acquisition issues, and enhance travel comfort This study, to be conducted jointly by Indian Railways, Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC), and MMRDA, will analyze engineering designs.
Geological challenges, environmental impact, and cost projections. It will also evaluate how underground rail can integrate seamlessly with ongoing Metro and coastal transport projects, ensuring unified last-mile connectivity across Mumbai Among the potential corridors being considered, two routes stand out: Churchgate Virar on the Western line and CST–Kalyan on the Central line. These routes witness the heaviest passenger load, making them prime candidates for capacity expansion through underground infrastructure The integration plan will be key to the project’s success. Authorities envision multi-modal transit hubs where suburban trains, metro lines.
Financing and Partnerships for the Mega Project
And buses will converge to facilitate smooth transfers. This system will mirror global metro networks in Tokyo, London, and Paris where underground suburban trains seamlessly connect to citywide transport grids. Financing a massive urban infrastructure project of this scale requires innovative funding mechanisms. The Maharashtra government is considering a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, where global agencies and private investors can participate. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which has previously funded Mumbai Metro Line 3, is likely to be one of the key financiers for this project as well. The World Bank and Asian Infrastructure.
Investment Bank (AIIB) may also come on board, given their past involvement in sustainable urban development According to officials, the preliminary feasibility study is expected to conclude by mid-2026. Based on the results, detailed project reports (DPR) and tendering processes will commence, followed by phased construction. The complete project may take 8 to 10 years from approval to execution, but its benefits will span decades Shifting large sections of suburban rail underground could mark a new era for Mumbai’s sustainability and city planning. On the environmental front, the underground system would drastically reduce noise pollution, carbon emissions.
And energy loss from braking and acceleration cycles in surface-level operations. Moreover, surface tracks and land reclaimed from rail expansion could be repurposed into green corridors, footpaths, cycling zones, and recreational parks, improving the quality of urban life (Delhi Metro Rail Corporation)The project’s design will emphasize sustainability by using Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), which limit ecological disturbance, and modern ventilation systems that ensure passenger safety and air quality. The experience gained from Delhi Metro’s underground sections will guide engineers to adopt similar tunnelling and structural practices while adapting to Mumbai’s unique geological landscape.
q1. What is the purpose of Mumbai’s underground suburban rail study?
To explore the feasibility of building underground rail links to decongest existing suburban lines and improve commuter efficiency.
q2. Which corridors are likely to be included?
Churchgate–Virar and CST–Kalyan lines are potential candidates under review.
q3. When will the feasibility report be completed?
The report is expected by mid-2026.
q4. Who will fund the project?
Funding may come from Indian Railways, MMRDA, JICA, and other global partners.
q5. How will this project benefit commuters?
It will reduce travel time, surface congestion, and pollution, offering faster, cleaner travel.
