Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has instructed the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to conduct a feasibility study for a proposed tunnel connecting Mumbai to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport.

Aimed at reducing traffic congestion and improving multimodal connectivity, the tunnel is expected to link the Bandra-Worli Sea Link and Bandra Kurla Complex directly to the airport. With the new airport projected to handle up to two crore passengers annually, Deputy CM Shinde emphasised the need for robust transport integration involving suburban rail, Metro, and waterways. The airport is scheduled to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In a related development, the Deputy CM also directed officials to explore linking the Mhatardi bullet train station (under construction in Diva, Thane) with Kopar railway station and the Taloja Metro station to create a unified transit hub. The Mhatardi station will serve multiple transport modes including high-speed rail, local trains, metro, buses, and highways.