Maharashtra Proposes Underground Parking at Oval Maidan and Cross Maidan

On July 9, 2026, the Maharashtra government proposed an ambitious transport infrastructure plan featuring underground parking beneath Oval Maidan and Cross Maidan, alongside a signal-free corridor stretching from Nariman Point to Uttan. The initiatives, backed by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, aim to ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity across Mumbai.

These key proposals are designed to transform Mumbai's transport network by addressing severe traffic bottlenecks. By constructing underground parking facilities beneath major open grounds like Oval Maidan and Cross Maidan, the government plans to free up surface-level road space in busy areas. Meanwhile, the proposed signal-free corridor from Nariman Point to Uttan is intended to streamline transit along the city's western edge.

Alongside these new proposals, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended the state's wider infrastructure push during a session at the Vidhan Bhavan. Fadnavis addressed criticism regarding a recent landslide on July 6, which had temporarily closed the Mumbai-Pune Expressway’s Missing Link project. The project had previously faced criticism and online trolling after Fadnavis referred to it as an engineering marvel.

"People may abuse me; I am used to it. But I will not tolerate anyone insulting Maharashtra," Fadnavis said, taking a swipe at the Opposition. He added that while today's criticism would eventually be forgotten, the public would remember him and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde for delivering the major project.

According to Fadnavis, the Missing Link project has already yielded significant benefits for commuters. He noted that the link has successfully reduced travel time and decreased accidents and fatalities on the expressway's ghat section. The newly proposed underground parking lots and the Nariman Point-to-Uttan corridor represent the next phase of the state's urban transport strategy.