January 10, 2026

Thane: The state government is developing a network of waterway routes spanning nearly 200 nautical miles to connect far-flung suburbs in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) with the newly opened Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) and Nariman Point, said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at an event on Wednesday.

“Once operational, the network is expected to benefit 1.6 crore passengers and reduce pressure on the road system,” he added.

Thane city and district, along with Raigad, are emerging as major investment magnets in the region, the chief minister said.

Addressing traffic congestion in Thane, Fadnavis said 475 km of Metro corridors would be operational by 2030, forming a loop around Mumbai and linking suburbs with Thane. He added that public transport across the MMR, including Thane, would be strengthened and integrated under a single operational platform.

“The future transport needs of the MMR have been anticipated and work is already underway,” he said, citing projects such as the Aamne–Kasheli–Bhayander road and a proposed elevated corridor connecting Thane with the Navi Mumbai airport.

The CM also reiterated plans to upgrade the suburban railway system with air-conditioned coaches without any fare hike.

Referring to the bullet train project on the outskirts of Thane, he said a technology hub was proposed around the station.

On civic issues, Fadnavis said waste processing was gaining momentum and that cities such as Thane and Mumbai would eventually no longer need dump yards. Water scarcity in urban centres would be addressed through the construction of the Poshir and Shilar reservoirs, he added.