The City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) has announced that 60 per cent of the work on the Ulwe Coastal Road — a crucial connector between the Atal Setu sea bridge and the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) — has been completed. The project, seen as a key mobility corridor for Navi Mumbai’s next growth phase, is expected to be ready before the airport becomes operational.
Designed as a six-lane corridor spanning seven kilometres, the Ulwe Coastal Road includes a 5.8 km stretch along the coast and a 0.9 km Airport Link Road (ALR) that will directly connect the NMIA terminal. Officials said that the project will enhance accessibility between the upcoming airport, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), the Navi Mumbai Special Economic Zone (NMSEZ), and the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), also known as Atal Setu. CIDCO officials described the project as one of the region’s most transformative urban infrastructure initiatives. “The coastal corridor is designed not only to reduce travel time but also to create a resilient mobility network supporting both economic and environmental sustainability,” a senior CIDCO official said.
Experts believe that the new coastal road will significantly decongest internal traffic and improve freight and passenger connectivity between Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and key industrial hubs. Once completed, the corridor is expected to serve as a vital link for logistics movement, while also improving commuter convenience for airport passengers. The project’s design integrates modern drainage systems and embankment protection measures to mitigate the risk of flooding, a concern for coastal infrastructure. Sustainable construction practices, such as optimised material use and advanced waste management, are also being followed to minimise the project’s environmental footprint.
CIDCO has maintained that the project is on track for timely completion. With operations at NMIA expected to begin soon, the completion of the coastal link will be critical to supporting the airport’s multimodal connectivity vision. The road will serve as a crucial component of Navi Mumbai’s larger urban plan, connecting emerging business zones and residential clusters with major transport corridors. Urban mobility experts have also highlighted the project’s potential to set a benchmark for integrated, climate-resilient infrastructure in coastal cities. “If executed well, it can demonstrate how regional mobility systems can balance growth, accessibility, and sustainability,” an urban planner said.
The Ulwe Coastal Road, when operational, is expected to transform Navi Mumbai’s connectivity landscape, strengthening its position as a modern, transit-oriented city that aligns infrastructure growth with environmental responsibility.
MMRDA Achieves 60% Progress On Navi Mumbai Coastal Road Linking Atal Setu Airport
