The Maharashtra government has initiated plans to explore the feasibility of three major infrastructure projects in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR)—underground parking malls, water taxis, and ropeways (cable cars). The studies will be conducted by key government agencies, including the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), with detailed project reports expected in the next two to three months.
Parking Malls Under Metro Stations
One of the proposed solutions to Mumbai’s parking crisis is the construction of underground parking malls beneath metro stations. These “parking malls” would alleviate the city’s chronic parking shortage while also providing commercial and office space above ground. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik highlighted that this initiative could help integrate parking with metro connectivity, allowing motorists to park and easily board trains. With nearly 13 million vehicles in MMR, including 5 million in Mumbai alone, this solution addresses a pressing need for parking space. However, critics like transport analyst Jagdeep Desai argue that such plans should have been included in the original metro project and suggest considering alternative parking solutions such as ramps or stack parking.
Water Taxis for Urban Transport
The state government is also exploring the possibility of introducing water taxis, capitalizing on Mumbai’s coastal geography. Previous efforts to launch water transport, including a catamaran service connecting Navi Mumbai to Nariman Point, had failed. Sarnaik, however, remains optimistic about developing a holistic water transport network, suggesting that it could reduce reliance on trains and metro lines. The MMRDA will help with the necessary infrastructure, while the Maharashtra Maritime Board will prepare the project report for water taxis.
Revival of Ropeways
The concept of ropeways, particularly for congested urban areas, is also being reconsidered. The state government plans to conduct a comprehensive survey for the Parvatmala Project, which includes potential corridors like the 3.6-km Charkop-Marve and 7.2-km Mahavir Nagar-Gorai routes. Though earlier proposals were delayed, there is renewed interest in identifying feasible areas for ropeways that do not interfere with residential redevelopment.
In addition to these, Sarnaik confirmed that the long-delayed pod-taxi project in Bandra-Kurla Complex will be expedited, with a detailed plan expected soon.
These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to addressing Mumbai’s transportation challenges while enhancing its infrastructure. However, their success will depend on the feasibility studies and efficient project execution.
