Centre Approves Rs 4500 Crore 6 Lane Highway for JNPT Connectivity
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved a landmark ₹4,500 crore project aimed at enhancing connectivity between the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and Chowk in Maharashtra. This significant development will see the construction of a six-lane, access-controlled Greenfield highway, which is set to span 29.219 km. Expected to greatly improve logistics and ease traffic congestion, the highway will serve as a major catalyst for economic growth in the region, facilitating smoother trade and commercial activity between key industrial hubs.With the rise in container traffic at JNPA and the forthcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, the need for enhanced infrastructure linking these crucial points was clear.
Currently, it takes up to three hours for vehicles to travel from JNPA to NH-48 and the Mumbai-Pune Expressway due to heavy congestion in urban areas like Panvel and Kalamboli Junction. This delay hampers the smooth flow of goods, creating bottlenecks that affect both freight and passenger traffic. The newly approved project will address these concerns by providing a faster, more reliable route for commercial vehicles and commuters alike.The highway will start at Pagote, located within the JNPA Port area, and end at the Mumbai-Pune Highway (NH-48), linking critical national highways like the Mumbai-Pune Expressway (NH-48) and the Mumbai-Goa National Highway (NH-66). The design incorporates multiple lanes to accommodate the heavy freight traffic expected from JNPA, one of the busiest ports in India, and future traffic from the Navi Mumbai Airport once it opens in 2025.One of the key features of the project is its inclusion of two tunnels through the Sahyadri hills, which will bypass the challenging ghat section that often slows down vehicles. This will provide a smoother, faster route, especially for large container trucks, further boosting the operational efficiency of the highway.
The focus on ensuring high-speed travel for both goods and passengers underscores the project’s commitment to improving the nation’s logistical framework and fostering economic growth.In terms of environmental considerations, the project aligns with modern infrastructure development principles, integrating sustainable design practices and enhancing the overall transport network to support growth without compromising on safety or efficiency. Moreover, it is expected to reduce road traffic congestion and improve the overall environmental footprint by facilitating faster, more efficient transportation of goods.
The highway project will be developed under the Build, Operate, Transfer (BOT) model, ensuring that the private sector plays a critical role in its financing and long-term operation. The government’s involvement ensures that public infrastructure remains a priority while enabling private sector efficiencies and expertise. Once operational, this corridor is expected to alleviate the current congestion, improve the speed and safety of freight movement, and make a significant contribution to the region’s development.This development aligns with the broader goals of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which seeks to revolutionise India’s infrastructure, ensuring seamless connectivity between ports, airports, and railways. As container traffic continues to increase at JNPA and the Navi Mumbai International Airport begins its operations, the need for a dedicated, high-speed corridor will only grow.
Experts suggest that this new highway will not only improve freight movement but also stimulate economic activity in the surrounding areas, creating new business opportunities and employment in the region. By addressing the current traffic bottlenecks, the project will streamline logistics operations, reduce transportation costs, and improve the efficiency of India’s trade routes.In conclusion, the greenfield project between JNPA Port and Chowk represents a pivotal development for Maharashtra’s infrastructure landscape. By enhancing connectivity, promoting efficient logistics, and supporting regional economic growth, the highway is poised to play a key role in India’s evolving transportation and trade sectors.
