CIDCO Unveils Ambitious 26-Km Elevated Link to Navi Mumbai International Airport
Mumbai: The City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Ltd (CIDCO) has revealed an ambitious initiative to construct a 26-kilometer elevated roadway connecting Thane to the soon-to-be-operational Navi Mumbai International Airport. This project aims to tackle persistent traffic congestion and ensure seamless travel for commuters. With successful test flights already completed, CIDCO, in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Ministry, is preparing to launch flight operations at the airport in June.
The region’s infrastructure has already seen enhancements with the recent opening of the Atal Bridge, which links Navi Mumbai and the airport to Mumbai. Now, CIDCO is setting its sights on improving connectivity between Thane and the airport as part of a broader transportation strategy.
Existing Travel Options
Currently, three key routes serve commuters traveling from Thane to Ulwe. The Thane-Belapur road stretches approximately 35 kilometers past Belapur Fort. Alternatively, the Eastern Express Highway, also known as the Mumbai-Agra Road, joins the Thane-Belapur Road from Airoli. A third, more scenic option winds through Navi Mumbai, covering about 46 kilometers from Thane-Belapur Road at Airoli to Vashi, then onward to Palm Beach and from Belapur Fort to Ulwe.
CIDCO’s Vision for Connectivity
CIDCO’s proposed 26-kilometer elevated roadway is designed to provide a direct link between Thane and the Navi Mumbai Airport. The project remains in the planning phase, with a comprehensive report in development and efforts underway to appoint a financial advisor. Alongside the airport’s scheduled June opening, CIDCO is working with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) on multiple infrastructure projects to strengthen ties between the airport and the Mumbai-Thane area. This elevated corridor is a cornerstone of those efforts.
Route Details Unveiled
The proposed corridor will feature two distinct sections. The first is a 17-kilometer elevated highway extending from Dhan Nirankari Chowk near Patni Maidan in Digha to Palm Beach Road in Vashi, running parallel to the Thane-Belapur Road. The second segment, a 9-kilometer double-decker elevated road, will connect Palm Beach Road directly to the airport.
Project Costs and Challenges
The 26-kilometer corridor carries an estimated price tag of Rs 8,000 crore. CIDCO officials have noted that the project’s vast scope—including securing approvals, acquiring land, and obtaining environmental clearances—makes it impractical to set a firm timeline for construction to begin or conclude.
This development underscores CIDCO’s commitment to addressing traffic challenges and enhancing regional connectivity as the Navi Mumbai International Airport prepares to take flight.