Panvel Exit on Mumbai-Pune Expressway Closed for Six Months Due to Construction
Navi Mumbai is set to witness major traffic changes starting Tuesday, as the Panvel exit on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway will be closed for the next six months. This restriction, which affects vehicles travelling towards Panvel, Mumbra, JNPT, and nearby areas, is due to the ongoing construction of a flyover and underpass at Kalamboli circle. The roadwork, being carried out by the Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation (MSIDC), aims to alleviate congestion in this heavily trafficked area.
The closure of the Panvel exit will cause a major shift in traffic patterns, especially for commuters using the expressway to reach key areas like Taloja, Kalyan, and Shilphata. Vehicles from the Mumbai side of the expressway, including both light and heavy vehicles, will no longer be able to exit at Panvel. Instead, they will be diverted from Kon Phata, located around 9.6 km before the Panvel exit, and directed towards the Palaspe circle. From there, drivers will connect to the Delhi-Chennai national highway (NH-48), enabling them to continue their journey without entering the heavily congested Kalamboli area. For those travelling from Pune towards areas like Taloja, Kalyan, and Shilphata, the diversion will require them to descend the expressway earlier than planned. These vehicles will exit onto the Sion-Panvel highway, then take a right turn at the Pursharth petrol pump under the flyover to reach Roadpali. From there, they will continue ahead to connect to NH-48.
Despite the inconvenience caused by these diversions, the aim of the project is to improve traffic flow in the long run. The construction of the flyover and underpass at Kalamboli circle will help address the severe traffic congestion that has been a persistent problem. Currently, vehicles heading towards Panvel, Goa, and JNPT must navigate multiple traffic signals, leading to long delays and frustrating commutes. Once completed, the new infrastructure will allow these vehicles to bypass all signals, ensuring smoother and faster travel to their destinations. While the six-month restriction on the Panvel exit is likely to cause significant disruption for commuters, the ultimate goal is to ease traffic congestion and improve the driving experience for thousands of daily travellers. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Tirupati Kakade expressed optimism about the long-term benefits of the project, stating that the new flyover and underpass will significantly reduce congestion in this crucial part of Navi Mumbai.
In the meantime, authorities are working to ensure the diversions are clearly marked, and that alternate routes are adequately maintained to accommodate the diverted traffic. The traffic department has also urged commuters to plan their journeys in advance, considering the potential delays caused by the construction work. This development is part of a broader effort to improve the road infrastructure in Navi Mumbai and surrounding areas. With rapid urbanisation and growing traffic volumes, projects like the Kalamboli flyover and underpass are crucial in reducing bottlenecks and improving connectivity. While this temporary closure may cause some inconvenience, it is an important step towards a more efficient and safer transport network for the future. Commuters are encouraged to stay updated on the progress of the construction and to follow traffic advisories to navigate the diversions effectively. The ongoing work at Kalamboli circle reflects the growing commitment to enhancing Mumbai’s transport infrastructure, ensuring a smoother travel experience for all.
