Cabinet Approves 6-Lane Greenfield Highway Linking Mumbai-Pune for Better Port Connectivity
Cabinet Approves 6-Lane Greenfield Highway Linking Mumbai-Pune for Better Port Connectivity
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of a six-lane access-controlled Greenfield High-Speed National Highway connecting JNPA Port (Pagote) to Chowk in Maharashtra. The 29.219-km project will be developed on the Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) toll mode at an estimated cost of Rs. 4,500.62 crore.
The development of road infrastructure linking major and minor ports is a key focus under the PM Gatishakti National Master Plan. Given the rising container volume at JNPA Port and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, enhancing national highway connectivity in the region has become a priority.
Currently, heavy congestion in urban areas such as Palaspe Phata, D-Point, Kalamboli Junction, and Panvel results in a travel time of 2-3 hours for vehicles moving from JNPA Port to the Golden Quadrilateral (NH-48) and Mumbai-Pune Expressway. With the Navi Mumbai Airport set to become operational in 2025, the demand for direct highway connectivity is expected to rise further.
The newly approved highway project aims to streamline connectivity between JNPA Port, Navi Mumbai International Airport, and key arterial highways.
The alignment starts at JNPA Port (NH-348) in Pagote village and ends at Mumbai-Pune Highway (NH-48), while also integrating with the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and Mumbai-Goa National Highway (NH-66).
To facilitate seamless freight movement, the project includes two tunnels passing through the Sahyadri range, bypassing the ghat sections and ensuring smoother transit for commercial vehicles and large container trucks.
This six-lane Greenfield highway corridor will significantly enhance port connectivity, improve logistics efficiency, and foster economic growth in and around Mumbai and Pune. The project is expected to create new opportunities for trade and infrastructure development in the region.
