Mumbai News: Atal Setu Boosts Connectivity as Cidco Plans New 26-Km Road From Thane to Navi Mumbai Airport
Mumbai News: Atal Setu Boosts Connectivity as Cidco Plans New 26-Km Road From Thane to Navi Mumbai Airport
The recently inaugurated Atal Setu bridge has significantly improved connectivity between Mumbai and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). However, the City and Industrial Development Corporation (Cidco) is taking another major step to enhance accessibility by planning a dedicated 26-kilometer road from Thane to NMIA.
Cidco has already appointed a financial advisor and is working on detailed plans for this elevated corridor, which aims to provide a seamless and congestion-free travel experience for commuters.
Major Infrastructure Upgrades Ahead of NMIA Opening
Set to commence operations in June, NMIA is at the center of major infrastructure development. Cidco and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) are spearheading multiple projects to improve connectivity between the airport and key areas like Mumbai and Thane.
“Thane’s current access to NMIA is primarily via Thane-Belapur Road and Palm Beach Road, both of which experience heavy congestion. The new corridor will offer a faster and smoother alternative,” a Cidco official said.
Route Details and Environmental Considerations
The proposed road will originate from Patni Chowk in Thane and run parallel to Thane-Belapur Road for 17 kilometers before reaching Vashi. The final stretch—spanning 9 kilometers—will be a specially designed double-decker elevated corridor leading directly to NMIA.
While the first phase of the road, from Patni Chowk to Vashi, is expected to face minimal environmental hurdles, the second phase crosses ecologically sensitive areas, including mangroves and coastal regulation zones. As a result, Cidco will require multiple environmental clearances before construction can begin.
“The estimated cost of the 26-kilometer corridor is approximately Rs 8,000 crore. Given the scale of the project, factors like land acquisition, approvals, and environmental clearances will determine the completion timeline,” the official added.
Additional Connectivity Projects in Progress
Apart from the elevated corridor, Cidco has proposed multiple roads and bridges to enhance NMIA’s accessibility further. In a significant development on March 25, the forest department approved the transfer of 4,859 square meters of forest land near the Ulwe and Sonkhar creeks. This approval will facilitate the construction of a bridge by removing the existing bund over the Ulwe river, further improving airport connectivity.
With these ambitious projects underway, NMIA is poised to become a well-connected aviation hub, reducing travel time and congestion for commuters traveling from Thane and Mumbai.
