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.
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.
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.
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.
ALSO READ: Indian Railways Saves Over 640 Crore Litres of Diesel; Reduces CO2 Emissions
A lung-strengthening diet rich in antioxidants, spices and fibre helps Indians fight winter pollution and…
PIB fact check debunks AI-manipulated video showing CDS Chauhan falsely claiming India surrendered Arunachal Pradesh…
Growing pressure campaigns aim to influence LIC’s investment decisions, raising concerns about destabilising long-term infrastructure…
A Queensland court permanently barred activist Ben Pennings from seeking Adani’s confidential Carmichael mine data,…
The ongoing construction of Shri Kalki Dham in Sambhal shows rapid progress as skilled artisans…
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese married Jodie Haydon on Saturday at The Lodge, the first…