Mumbai commuters can soon look forward to drastically reduced travel times between South Mumbai and its northern suburbs. The Maharashtra government has cleared a key land acquisition hurdle, enabling the construction of the Dahisar-Bhayander highway. Officials confirmed that once completed, travel from Nariman Point to Mira-Bhayander will take just 30 minutes, transforming connectivity for daily commuters and supporting equitable urban growth across the metropolitan region.
The project, spanning a 60-metre-wide corridor, will cover 53.17 acres of salt land leased from the Union government for 99 years at a cost of ₹12.89 crore. Experts noted that this long-pending land transfer, finalised after years of follow-up, is critical to advancing the state’s coastal road development plans. The highway will extend through Uttan before linking Mira Road and further stretching towards Vasai and Virar, providing a direct, efficient alternative to existing congested routes. Urban planning officials emphasise that the highway is not just about reducing travel times. “This infrastructure will redistribute commuter traffic, enhance suburban accessibility, and support sustainable urbanisation along the northern corridor,” said a senior transport department official. The project’s design incorporates environmental and social considerations, addressing earlier concerns raised by the fishing communities in Uttan through careful realignment of the route.
The ₹3,000-crore project will be executed by L.E.T. Company, with the Mumbai Municipal Corporation covering the construction cost. Officials project completion within three years, highlighting that the new highway will not only provide faster travel but also stimulate economic growth in peripheral regions by improving connectivity with South Mumbai’s commercial hubs. Transport experts suggest that the coastal highway will also encourage zero-emission commuting options. With provisions for dedicated lanes, the corridor is expected to accommodate electric and shared mobility solutions, aligning with the state’s commitment to a low-carbon, sustainable urban transport framework. Analysts predict that improved road access will further catalyse residential and commercial development in Mira-Bhayander, Vasai, and Virar, creating more equitable growth opportunities across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
City planning officials also underline the importance of integrating this highway with existing infrastructure, including suburban rail and public bus networks, to maximise commuter convenience and reduce environmental impact. The project’s holistic planning approach reflects the broader vision of a smart, eco-friendly, and equitable Mumbai, where infrastructure investments prioritise both mobility and sustainable urban living. For daily commuters, the highway promises a dramatic change in lifestyle, cutting hours-long journeys to manageable half-hour trips. By addressing both the infrastructural bottleneck and environmental considerations, the Dahisar-Bhayander highway is set to redefine suburban commuting, making the northern suburbs more accessible, efficient, and sustainable for the city’s growing population.
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