Ghansoli-Airoli Palm Beach Road Extension Work Begins After Environmental Clearance
The much-awaited extension of the Palm Beach Road from Ghansoli to Airoli in Navi Mumbai has finally commenced following the acquisition of all necessary environmental clearances. This crucial infrastructure project, which had faced several delays, is set to enhance connectivity in the region, easing traffic congestion and providing a direct route to Airoli and beyond.
The road extension, which stretches 21.12 kilometres from Belapur to Airoli, has faced significant hurdles due to the presence of sensitive mangrove ecosystems in the area. CIDCO had previously completed a 19.20 km stretch from Belapur to Ghansoli, but the remaining 2 km, which falls within the mangrove zone, had stalled the project for years. However, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) worked diligently to secure the requisite environmental permissions and implement mitigation measures to safeguard the mangrove area.
Originally planned as a 2 km road, the extension now aims to stretch further, with plans to reach the Airoli-Mulund creek bridge, making it a 3.47 km road. The NMMC’s solution to avoid disrupting the mangroves was to construct a 1.9 km bridge. This approach not only protects the mangrove habitat but also ensures the project progresses without harming the environment. Additionally, NMMC has undertaken replantation initiatives in Palghar, contributing to overall environmental conservation efforts. In an official statement, Shirish Aradwad, the city engineer, shared that soil testing for the project is complete, and construction has now begun with the necessary clearances in place. The project is expected to be completed by September next year, with a total estimated cost of ₹550 crore. CIDCO will contribute half of the funds to the project, underscoring the significant investment in improving regional infrastructure.
The Palm Beach Road extension will offer a much-needed alternative to the congested Thane-Belapur (TB) road, which is often plagued by heavy traffic, especially during peak hours. Motorists travelling from Thane or Belapur to Airoli will now be able to use this extended road to reach their destination more quickly, reducing travel time and alleviating the burden on the existing road network. Moreover, the road will provide seamless connectivity to the Airoli-Mulund creek bridge, linking it to the upcoming Airoli-Katai route. This new link will allow drivers to travel towards key areas such as Kalyan, Badlapur, Ambernath, and Murbad with greater ease. This improved connectivity is expected to benefit not just local commuters but also passengers travelling to and from the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, further boosting the region’s connectivity.
The Palm Beach Road extension is also part of a larger regional development initiative, which includes the Coastal Road project from Thane to Sanpada. Once completed, this infrastructure upgrade will transform the region’s transportation network, reduce traffic bottlenecks, and contribute to the rapid growth of Navi Mumbai as a hub for business, tourism, and residential living. The beginning of the Palm Beach Road extension project marks an important milestone for Navi Mumbai’s infrastructure development. With its potential to ease traffic, enhance regional connectivity, and support the area’s continued growth, this project is set to provide long-term benefits for commuters and the broader community.
