Ghansoli : The much-awaited Palm Beach Road extension from Ghansoli to Airoli is now under development by the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC). The 3.47-kilometer project, which includes a 1.9-kilometer flyover, intends to lessen traffic on the heavily used Thane-Belapur Road and enhance connectivity.
Project Funding and Costs
The City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) and NMMC are jointly supporting the project, which is expected to cost Rs 550 crore. In its budget for 2023–2024, NMMC has already set aside Rs 372 crore. A 21.12-kilometer Palm Beach Road from Belapur to Airoli Sector 10A—which would have connected it to Mulund, Thane, and Mumbai—was initially suggested by CIDCO. However, environmental constraints caused delays in the last stage of construction.
Overcoming Challenges in the Environment
Due to environmental concerns, the initial intention to build a two-kilometer section across mangrove zones was shelved. In order to mitigate this issue and ensure a low ecological impact, NMMC updated the plan to include a 1.9-kilometer elevated bridge over the mangrove area. As part of the environmental clearance criteria, compensatory tree plantings were also carried out in Palghar. The mangrove conservation committee, the high court, and the forest department have finally approved the proposal.
Anticipated Finalization and Advantages
NMMC has given the contractor instructions to finish the project by September 2026, and the building process, including soil testing, has already started. The Palm Beach Road extension would ease traffic on Thane-Belapur Road, particularly during rush hours, by offering a direct route from Airoli to Navi Mumbai once it is open.
Additionally, the road will facilitate access to important places like Kalyan, Badlapur, Ambernath, and Murbad by improving access to the Airoli-Mulund Bridge and the soon-to-be Airoli-Katai Road. As part of the broader Coastal Road project from Thane to Sanpada, it would also be an essential corridor for easier transit towards the Navi Mumbai International Airport.
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