After a year, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has invited technical bids for the extension of Palm Beach Road from Ghansoli to Airoli. The civic body has also secured all necessary environmental clearances for the construction, as the project passes through a mangrove-rich area. The extension will cover a total distance of 3.47 km.
The project cost will be jointly borne by NMMC and CIDCO. The total estimated cost, including a 1.9-km-long flyover, is approximately Rs 540 crore. NMMC has already allocated Rs 372 crore for the extension in its 2023-24 budget.
Initially, CIDCO had planned a 21.12 km road from Belapur to Airoli Sector 10A to connect with Mulund, Thane, and Mumbai. However, after completing a 19.20-km stretch from Belapur to Ghansoli, the project stalled due to environmental concerns, as the remaining 2-km section passed through a mangrove zone. Instead of a 2-km extension, the revised plan now includes a 3.47-km road reaching the Airoli-Mulund Creek Bridge.
Securing environmental clearance was a challenge due to the presence of mangroves. To address this, the civic body decided to construct a 1.9-km bridge, ensuring minimal disturbance to the ecosystem. According to a senior civic official, work has already begun, and the project is expected to be completed by September next year.
This extension will provide an alternative route for motorists traveling towards Airoli and beyond, reducing congestion on the heavily used Thane-Belapur (TB) Road, particularly at Airoli during peak hours. Additionally, with connectivity to the Airoli-Mulund Bridge and the upcoming Airoli-Katai route, commuters will have a more efficient route to Kalyan, Badlapur, Ambernath, and Murbad. The road will also enhance regional connectivity to the Navi Mumbai International Airport.
