India's business capital Mumbai will get a network of underground tunnels, as will the nearby city of Pune, and a metro line to the famed Gateway of India at a whopping budget allotment of nearly US dollars 2.6 billion. Maharashtra state Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis labelled the initiative as a major boost to Mumbai city's transport infrastructure. The objective is to enhance rapid transit capacity and to support the growing demand for reliable urban mobility. Officials called the metro line a strategic link to the southern waterfront. The state has planned both elevated and subterranean elements, with the tunnel network to navigate dense urban areas and preserve surface access. These will be integrated with existing metro corridors and local rail services for seamless transfers and to distribute passenger loads. This will reduce road congestion in central Mumbai. Environmental and heritage factors play a big role in design choices. Procurement and contract awards were described as subject to statutory procedures.