The Union Cabinet, on Wednesday, approved the construction of a 6-lane access-controlled greenfield high-speed National Highway in Maharashtra, aimed at improving connectivity between the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) Port (Pagote) and Chowk.
The government will develop the 29.219 km project with an investment of Rs 4,500 crore.
High-Speed Corridor To Boost Logistics Efficiency
The new National Highway will be built on a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) model.
It will significantly enhance road connectivity, particularly in the rapidly developing areas of Mumbai and Pune.
According to the official statement, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its nod for the project.
Improving Port Connectivity Under PM Gatishakti Plan
The new highway is part of India’s broader infrastructure strategy, as outlined under the PM Gatishakti National Master Plan.
This plan focuses on improving connectivity to major and minor ports, which is critical for efficient freight movement and fostering economic development.
The construction of this highway will likely ease congestion and reduce travel time, especially for commercial vehicles transporting goods to and from JNPA Port.
At present, it takes around 2-3 hours for vehicles to travel from JNPA Port to the Golden Quadrilateral (GQ) section of NH-48 and the Mumbai-Pune Expressway due to heavy congestion at urban junctions like Palaspe Phata, D-Point, Kalamboli, and Panvel.
With the operationalization of Navi Mumbai International Airport in 2025, the need for better connectivity will intensify, making this project even more crucial for future development.
Design And Features Of The New Highway
The highway alignment will begin at JNPA Port (NH 348) in Pagote village and extend to the Mumbai-Pune Highway (NH-48), linking the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and the Mumbai-Goa National Highway (NH-66).
The project includes two tunnels passing through the Sahyadri mountain range, which will facilitate smooth movement for commercial vehicles, bypassing the traditional ghat section of hilly terrain.
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