The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) will commence the construction of a 30km expressway, serving as a vital link between the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) and the old Pune Highway, reported the Times of India.
The proposed expressway will begin at Pagote near Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) and extend to Chauk Junction, intersecting with several key highways.
It will enhance the existing network by connecting with the Uran-Chirner highway, Goa highway, and Pune expressway, and will feature multiple entry and exit points for added convenience.
The cost of the project is approximated at Rs37bn ($427m).
The expressway will also link to the Coastal Road and Sea Link near Worli at the Sewri end of Atal Setu, further integrating Mumbai's transport network.
It is also expected to reduce travel time from Mumbai to the highway leading to Goa, with the journey from the MTHL projected to take only 20-30 minutes.
Apart from the old Pune highway, future extensions will connect the corridor to the upcoming Alibaug-Virar Multimodal Corridor, Murbad-Junnar highway, Samruddhi expressway, and Nashik highway near Padgha via Morbe, Karjat, Shelu, Wagani, and Badlapur.
Upon completion of construction of the future extensions, the initial 30km stretch up to Chauk is set to function as a ring road parallel to the Alibaug-Virar Corridor. This will facilitate access-controlled, seamless travel.
The first phase of the project is expected to be finished within 30 months, with construction anticipated to start within seven months following the imminent issuance of work orders.
NHAI regional manager Anshumali Shrivastav stated that the corridor will streamline traffic for more than 10,000 vehicles, easing congestion and improving travel times.
Shrivastav said: "The proposed six-lane greenfield corridor will require the acquisition of approximately 176 hectares of land and will help decongest critical junctions in Navi Mumbai, Panvel, and Kalamboli.
“This will improve logistical efficiency for freight transport in port and airport zones, while driving economic growth and industrial development by reducing travel time and distances for traffic to JNPT, Goa, Pune and Mumbai."
