Mumbai is set to improve airport connectivity as Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) prepares for its launch in June. A 26-kilometer elevated corridor will link Thane to NMIA, reducing travel time to 30-40 minutes.
The project is led by the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). Currently, travelers from Thane use Palm Beach Road and Thane-Belapur Road to reach NMIA. These routes are congested, making travel slow.
The new corridor will start at Patni Chowk in Thane and provide a direct link to the airport. The first 17 km will run parallel to Thane-Belapur Road, leading up to Vashi. The last 9 km will feature a double-decker elevated road from Vashi to NMIA.
Authorities believe this corridor will ease traffic. The high congestion on existing roads means the journey can take up to 90 minutes. The new corridor will cut this by more than half, offering a faster and smoother route for commuters.
However, there are environmental challenges. The first section from Patni Chowk to Vashi has fewer issues, but the second section passes through mangrove areas and a coastal control zone.
Several environmental approvals are required before construction can begin. The estimated cost of the project is INR 8,000 crore. Officials say completion depends on land acquisition, environmental clearances, and approvals.
Beyond this corridor, Cidco is also developing roads and bridges to further improve NMIA’s accessibility. A recent approval by the forest department has cleared 4,859 square meters of forest land near Ulwe and Sonkhar creeks. This approval allows for the construction of a bridge over the Ulwe River.
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