Airoli-Katai Naka Project Set to Slash Travel Time

Mumbai: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is set to initiate the construction of a critical 6.72-kilometre elevated corridor linking Shil to Katai this month.

The project, aimed at significantly improving connectivity between Navi Mumbai and the Kalyan-Dombivli region, is expected to shorten the travel distance between these areas to a mere 7 kilometres, thereby enhancing travel efficiency and reducing journey time by up to 30 minutes. Afcons Infrastructure has emerged as the lowest bidder for this segment, offering INR 2,018 crore for the construction work.

This bid surpasses the MMRDA’s estimated cost of INR 1,887 crore. Competing bidders include APCO Infratech, Ashoka Buildcond, and Navyuga Engineering Company. An MMRDA senior official indicated that the bids are currently under review and that price negotiations may follow. The final recommendation will be presented to MMRDA’s executive committee before the official work order is issued. The Airoli-Katai Naka project will incorporate two tunnels and an elevated roadway, designed to streamline traffic flow.

The infrastructure includes a 3.43-kilometre stretch from Thane-Belapur Road to National Highway 4, and a 2.57-kilometre segment from Airoli Bridge to Thane-Belapur Road. Each of the twin tunnels will extend 1.69 kilometres, featuring three lanes plus an additional emergency lane. This ambitious project aims to significantly bolster connectivity in Kalyan and its adjoining areas, such as Dombivli, Ulhasnagar, Ambernath, Vithalwadi, and Badlapur. By offering a more direct and efficient route, the corridor is poised to alleviate current traffic congestion and provide a streamlined alternative to existing routes through Thane or Mahape.