A new six-lane access-controlled road has been unveiled to facilitate faster travel to and from the Manohar International Airport in Mopa, Goa. The elevated corridor, known as the Mopa link road or national highway 166S, will be officially inaugurated by the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways along with the Chief Minister of Goa.
The Mopa link road spans nearly seven kilometres and is designed to provide expedited connectivity to the Mumbai-Kanyakumari National Highway 66, which runs through Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. This crucial development aims to significantly ease the journey for travellers heading to and from the international airport, enhancing the overall travel experience. National Highway 66, which begins at Panvel near Mumbai and terminates at Cape Comorin in Kanyakumari, is a vital artery that links several key states along India’s western coast. The new link road will particularly benefit those travelling between the airport and these states by reducing travel times and improving traffic flow.
Previously, the distance between Mopa airport and Dhargal ranged between 12 to 15 kilometres, taking approximately 20 to 30 minutes during non-peak hours. However, this duration often extended significantly during peak traffic times, as the existing routes were two-lane roads passing through local villages. The newly constructed access-controlled road, with its elevated viaduct, promises to cut travel time by 15 to 20 minutes, enabling commuters to reach the Mumbai-Goa-Kanyakumari highway within just five minutes from the airport. Constructed at an estimated cost of nearly Rs 1,200 crore, the Mopa link road is expected to not only provide faster and more convenient access to the airport but also enhance multi-modal connectivity, thereby reducing logistics costs.
This development underscores the government’s commitment to improving regional infrastructure and fostering economic growth. According to the Ministry, the new road is set to ensure seamless and hassle-free connectivity to Mopa airport, significantly benefiting both tourists and locals. The elevated corridor is poised to support the broader vision of enhancing regional infrastructure and providing a superior travel experience. “The new Mopa Link Road, connecting NH 66 to the airport, will enhance regional infrastructure and provide a seamless travel experience for both tourists and locals,” stated an official from the Ministry.
