Navi Mumbai- The Bombay High Court has lifted legal hurdles for the long-delayed cycling track along Palm Beach Road, allowing the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) to resume construction. The ruling marks a significant step toward improving eco-friendly mobility in the city.
The 7.5 km-long, 3.5-meter-wide cycle track, running parallel to Thane Creek, was first proposed in 2018-19 to encourage sustainable transport and ease traffic congestion. Although the project received all necessary approvals in 2021, legal challenges over environmental concerns stalled progress.
The need for safer cycling infrastructure gained urgency after the tragic death of Avtar Saini, former India country head of Intel, who was fatally struck by a speeding cab while cycling on Palm Beach Road on February 28, 2024. His death intensified demands for dedicated cycling lanes.
The Bombay Environmental Action Group (BEAG) opposed the project, citing potential environmental damage in the Coastal Regulation Zone-2 (CRZ-2). However, NMMC assured the court that no mangroves would be affected, and the court acknowledged approvals from the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA), the Forest Department, and the State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA).
With only 50% of the work completed and ₹6 crore of the allocated ₹11.58 crore already spent, the project had been at a standstill. The High Court has now directed NMMC to submit an affidavit within two weeks, confirming compliance with all environmental regulations.
Once completed, the cycling track will provide a safe, dedicated space for cyclists and fitness enthusiasts, enhancing Navi Mumbai’s sustainable transport infrastructure.
