Mumbai has always worked to offer a great experience to residents and travellers, and it’s proving it once again. The city is now gearing up to make walking around the metro easier with Tokyo-style underground pedestrian tunnels. Read on to know more!
Mumbai Plans Underground Pedestrian Tunnels
The authorities are focusing on the Mumbai Metro 3 Aqua Line, where nearly 3 km of underground tunnels are being planned. As per Mid Day, these tunnels will link metro stations directly to offices and public spaces in areas like Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Nehru Planetarium, and the Worli promenade.
And this isn’t just a plan on paper; things are already moving. Authorities have invited consultants to handle the design and project management for these underground connections. These tunnels will connect the Science Centre and BKC Metro stations to nearby buildings through subways and entry points.
One tunnel from the Science Centre station will stretch about 1.1 km to the Worli promenade via Mahalaxmi Racecourse. Another 500-metre tunnel will connect to the Nehru Planetarium. From Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) station, a 1.4 km tunnel will link to the upcoming High-Speed Rail terminal near Diamond Bourse.
Also Read: You Can Now Get 50% Discount On Mumbai Metro Lines 2A & 7 By Booking Tickets Via THIS App
How These Tunnels Will Be Inspired By Tokyo?
Mumbaikars can be sure these tunnels won’t disappoint. According to Mid Day, Vedant Mhatre from the Walking Project said Mumbai can learn from places like Shinjuku Station in Tokyo. Why? In Tokyo, underground spaces stretch for kilometres, and has shops, grocery stores, and restaurants.
He also proposed underground street vendor markets in partnership with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). This idea can make walking safer and more lively, even at night. It’s totally a win-win.
Transport expert AV Shenoy pointed out practical concerns. He added one of the obvious points that people may avoid tunnels longer than 250 metres due to fear or discomfort. He stressed the need for proper emergency exits, escalators, lifts, lighting, ventilation, and strong security systems.
What are your thoughts on this? Tell us in the comments below!
Also Read: Which Mumbai Metro Line 3 Stations Are Now Permanent No-Parking Zones?
Cover Image Courtesy: Flickr/ Timothy Rogers
FAQs
What is the new metro project planned in Mumbai?
Mumbai is now planning to building underground tunnels at metro connecting BKC and Worli.
At which spots is Mumbai planning to build underground tunnels?
Mumbai is planning to build underground tunnels at the Science Centre station, Worli promenade, Nehru Planetarium, Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) station, and High-Speed Rail terminal near Diamond Bourse.
How will these underground tunnels be inspired by Tokyo?
An idea has been proposed to add shops, grocery stores, and restaurants to give a lively touch to the underground tunnels.