The city of Mumbai, financial capital of India, is recognized in the World as commercial and industrial hub. The city also enjoys a numero uno status as far as India and State's economy is concerned. However, the lack of world class infrastructure facilities, growing vehicular population and the never ending traffic congestion is hampering city's progress and affecting local life. With a view to improve transportation and communication, the Government of Maharashtra and Railway Ministry – with the financial assistance from World Bank – undertook the Mumbai Urban Transport Project. The thrust of this project was to improve suburban railway system. However, considering the present day infrastructure facilities and the future needs it was also necessary to introduce a project that would complement road network.

The Mumbai Urban Infrastructure Project was undertaken to improve East-West and North-South connectivity in the city. The Project was undertaken as per the Government Resolution No.MUI3403/PK65/NV-10, dated 1st November, 2003.

Objectives of the Project

• Prepare a traffic dispersal model for efficient mobility and connectivity
• Develop North-South road links in the suburbs including a Mass Rapid Transit connectivity
• Strengthen/augment East-West connectivity in the suburbs
• Provide efficient / fast public transport corridors
• Facilitate safe and convenient movement for pedestrians (Subways/FOBs/Footpaths including Skywalks)
• Provide high capacity uninterrupted road connection to both the Airports
• Remove level crossing in Mumbai
• Provide bus terminal / bus depots and to create facilities for passengers

The Master Plan of the proposed projects under MUIP includes -

• Improvements / provision of DP roads
• Elevated Roads
• Flyovers
• ROBs
• Vehicular and Pedestrian Subways
• Skywalks for the Eastern and Western Suburbs and the Island City