While the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), which links Sewri with Chirle near Nhava Sheva, is boosting connectivity for motorists, the proposed elevated corridor connecting Chirle with the Mumbai-Pune Expressway is being realised at a fast pace. This corridor comprises two six-lane elevated connectors — a 4958-metre-long one from Chirle to Gavhan Phata in Ulwe and a 1700-metre-long one from Palaspe to Panvel’s Kon village near the expressway. About 90 per cent of land acquisition for the elevated corridor, whose estimated cost is Rs 1102.75 crore, is complete, and 70 per cent of its foundation-related work has been finished.
The corridor is a vital component of the larger MTHL project and will ensure seamless connectivity between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, particularly in relation to the proposed Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), and Chirle and Palaspe are key points on the road network. The former area is located near the upcoming airport and is being developed with a focus on providing smooth connectivity for both passenger and freight traffic. The MTHL connector in this region involves the construction of roads, bridges, and interchanges, which will ensure efficient traffic flow between Navi Mumbai and other parts of Mumbai.
Segment vital
Palaspe, the other critical point, links the MTHL with the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. This segment is vital for streamlining the movement of traffic between the two cities, reducing congestion, and improving access to important destinations such as the airport.
According to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), together, these connectors at Chirle and Palaspe will significantly improve travel time, ease congestion, and enhance economic opportunities in the Navi Mumbai region, playing a vital role in the growth of the area.
A MMRDA official said, “About 90 per cent of the land acquisition for the project is completed, and the design works for the project are 50 per cent complete. Approximately 70 per cent of the foundation work is completed. Approximately five per cent of the pier work is completed. Girder casting is 12 per cent complete, and the overall financial progress of the project is 8.33 per cent while the physical progress is 11.50 per cent.”
As part of the project, the existing NH48 will be widened to six lanes and an interchange created on the expressway. In March 2023, the MMRDA had invited tenders to construct an elevated corridor from the JNPT exit at Kon to the Chirle interchange off Ulwe, a distance of 7.35 km. Once constructed, this crucial elevated corridor will help boost connectivity between National Highway 348 and National Highway 48.
It is said that the project will take around 30 months to be completed. Once ready, this crucial connector will benefit motorists going towards Lonavala and Pune from South Mumbai, as it will save around 60 to 90 minutes.
Longest bridge
The MTHL, officially known as the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri–Nhava Sheva Atal Setu is the longest sea bridge in the country. It was opened on January 12, 2024, and it has brought Mumbai closer to Panvel, JNPT and Navi Mumbai. One of the key advantages of the MTHL project is its ability to provide faster connectivity to various important locations, including the NMIA, JNPT Port, Mumbai-Pune Expressway, and Mumbai-Goa Highway. This improved accessibility will not only enhance transportation but also contribute to the overall growth and prosperity of the region.
