Mumbai to get its own ‘Pataal Lok’: CM Fadnavis announces tunnel network to end traffic woes

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis speaking at IIMUN’s Youth Connect session on Involvement of Youth in Governance in Worli.

Mumbai is preparing for a major transformation in its transport system with a plan to build a large network of underground tunnels. According to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the goal is to increase the average traffic speed in the city to 80 kmph within the next seven years. Currently, Mumbai crawls at just 15 to 20 kmph during peak hours.

Speaking at IIMUN’s Youth Connect session on Involvement of Youth in Governance in Worli, Fadnavis said the government is working on creating a “Pataal Lok”, a complete underground tunnel network that will run parallel to the city’s existing roads.

“Along with this, you have seen that we have created a metro network, whether it is an underground metro..., he added.

The Chief Minister highlighted that 60% of Mumbai’s traffic burden falls on the Western Express Highway, making it one of the most congested stretches. Unless this route is eased, Mumbai’s traffic issues cannot be solved completely, he said.

Mumbai, Maharashtra: At IIMUN’s Youth Connect session on Involvement of Youth in Governance, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis says, ", ..We are preparing a plan to create a Pataal Lok. Pataal Lok means that we will create a network of complete tunnels in Mumbai, a parallel… pic.twitter.com/6tGTrVBZMm

— IANS (@ians_india) November 24, 2025

When asked about the timeline for these major projects, Fadnavis said all promises and ongoing works to decongest the city will be completed by 2032.

He also spoke about upgrading Mumbai’s suburban rail network. Fadnavis said that all local trains in Mumbai will eventually shift to close-door services, similar to metro trains, to improve safety and efficiency, without any increase in fares.