CIDCO’s 2024 Gift: Navi Mumbai’s Infrastructure Boom
A joyous 2024 awaits the residents of Navi Mumbai as CIDCO plans to bring forth a slew of infrastructure and housing projects in the upcoming quarters of the new year, acting as a benevolent force for the community.
Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA)
CIDCO is orchestrating the development of Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), a groundbreaking venture that will stand as one of the world’s largest greenfield airports. Executed in collaboration with Adani Airport Holdings Ltd., this urban multi-airport system in India aims to feature two parallel runways and full-length parallel taxiways, ensuring seamless operations. Anticipated to cater to a minimum of 60 million passengers and 1.5 million tonnes of cargo annually, NMIA is poised to alleviate congestion at the Mumbai airport. Devendra Fadnavis, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, announced that the Navi Mumbai airport is scheduled to become operational in the coming year. According to Fadnavis, planes are expected to start taking off from the airport in August 2024.
Water Transport, Nerul
The work of the Nerul passenger water terminal is completed in all aspects and has been lying ready for passenger transport operation to be undertaken by the Maharashtra Maritime Board since last year. It is hinted that the service may become operational by 2024. It is being developed as part of the Eastern Waterfront project, under the central government’s inland water transport development policy. CIDCO has completed its part by constructing a jetty at Nerul and a marina at Belapur, with the project cost estimated at around Rs 150 crore. The passenger water terminal will significantly reduce the travel between Navi Mumbai and South Mumbai and between Navi Mumbai and the Konkan region.
Kharghar Golf Course
CIDCO has already started work to make the golf course in Kharghar of international standards and increase the number of holes from 11 to 18. The new course is expected to be operational in the new year. The project cost is estimated at Rs 50.35 crore. The golf course will allow Navi Mumbai to hold a prestigious place in the golfing world and raise the living standards of residents of the city. Once developed, a private operator will take over the golf course for for a predetermined period.
Transit Oriented Housing
CIDCO’s upcoming housing scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), incorporating the concept of Transit Oriented Development, is poised to provide housing solutions for economically weaker sections and lower-income groups. The strategic development of tenements near transportation hubs aligns with the goal of reducing travel time and costs, while promoting the use of public transport.
Bamandongri Railway Station
The ongoing development of the 27-km-long Nerul/Seawoods-Uran Rail Corridor, featuring 10 railway stations, is progressing in two phases. Phase-I, covering the Seawoods-Kharkopar and Belapur-Sagarsangam routes, is expected to see two completed stations by mid-2024, contributing to improved rail connectivity.
Two Bridges by MSRDC
To alleviate traffic congestion on the Sion-Panvel highway, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) is constructing two three-lane bridges near the Vashi creek. Operational by the third quarter of 2024, these bridges aim to enhance vehicular movement during peak hours, with an estimated project cost of Rs 775 crore.
Future CIDCO Projects in Pipeline
CIDCO’s commitment to sustainable development in NAINA notified areas, covering 371 sq km across Thane and Raigad districts, serves to curtail haphazard development around NMIA. The draft town planning infrastructure plan for TPS 2 to TPS 7 is ready, and work on TPS 8 to TPS 12 is in progress.
Kharghar-Turbhe Tunnel Road
CIDCO’s proposal to construct a tunnel road connecting Turbhe to Parsik Hill, providing direct access to the proposed International Corporate Park (ICP) in Kharghar, is poised to reduce traffic congestion on the Sion-Panvel Highway. Approved at a cost of Rs 3,166 crore, this 5.49 km stretch aims to reduce travel time between Vashi and Kharghar by 15 minutes.
Coastal Road for New Airport
Enhanced connectivity to the upcoming Navi Mumbai airport through the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), Mumbai Coastal Road, and the connector to MTHL is underway. The Nerul-Belapur-Kharghar Coastal Road, along with the connector and a new pathway from Amra Marg (Panvel creek), are progressing at various stages. Another proposed jetty closer to the new airport adds to the comprehensive plan for improved accessibility.
International Corporate Park (BKC 2)
The commencement of the Centre of Excellence project, ICP (BKC 2), in Kharghar signifies a step towards establishing a future commercial, educational, and residential hub. This phased development, set to unfold over the coming years, promises state-of-the-art connectivity and a vibrant mix of infrastructure, including educational institutions such as NMIMS.
Multi-lane Expansion
Other connectivity projects include the multi-lane expansion of the Sion-Panvel Highway, excluding bridges, extending to the Expressway. Additionally, the extension of Palm Beach Road to Ulwe-Uran and the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway terminating at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) add to the holistic development. The Western Dedicated Freight Corridor and the Virar-Alibaug Multimodal Corridor connecting to JNPT are further initiatives aimed at bolstering transportation capabilities and reducing traffic congestion.
Source – Midday.
