The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of a six-lane, access-controlled Greenfield High-Speed National Highway from JNPA Port (Pagote) to Chowk in Maharashtra. Spanning 29.219 km, the project will be developed under the Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) model at an estimated cost of Rs 45 billion.

This initiative aligns with the PM Gatishakti National Master Plan, which prioritizes integrated infrastructure development, particularly in improving road connectivity to major and minor ports across India. With the rising container traffic at JNPA Port and the development of Navi Mumbai International Airport, enhancing highway infrastructure in this region has become essential.

Currently, vehicular movement from JNPA Port to the Golden Quadrilateral (GQ) section of NH-48 and the Mumbai-Pune Expressway faces significant congestion in urban areas such as Palaspe Phata, D-Point, Kalamboli Junction, and Panvel, with traffic volumes reaching approximately 1.8 lakh Passenger Car Units (PCU) per day. Travel times range from two to three hours. With the Navi Mumbai airport expected to commence operations in 2025, demand for direct highway connectivity is anticipated to grow further.

The project aims to enhance logistics efficiency by directly linking JNPA Port with the Mumbai-Pune Highway (NH-48) while also connecting the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and Mumbai-Goa National Highway (NH-66). The inclusion of two tunnels through the Sahyadri range will facilitate smoother movement for commercial vehicles by eliminating the need to navigate steep ghat sections.

Upon completion, the corridor will improve port connectivity, ensure safe and efficient freight movement, and contribute to the economic growth of the Mumbai-Pune region by unlocking new development opportunities.

News source: THE STATESMAN