New Delhi [India]: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of a 6-lane access-controlled Greenfield High-Speed National Highway from JNPA Port (Pagote) to Chowk in Maharashtra.
The project, with a total capital cost of Rs 4500.62 crore, will be developed under the Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) model, according to an official release.
This highway project is part of the PM Gatishakti National Master Plan, which focuses on integrated infrastructure planning to enhance connectivity to major and minor ports across India.
The need for this improved connectivity emerged due to increasing container traffic at JNPA Port and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport. Currently, vehicles take 2-3 hours to travel from JNPA Port to the Golden Quadrilateral (GQ) section of NH-48 and the Mumbai-Pune Expressway due to heavy congestion in urban areas such as Palaspe Phata, D-Point, Kalamboli Junction, and Panvel, where traffic volumes reach 1.8 lakh PCU/day.
With the Navi Mumbai Airport set to begin operations in 2025, the demand for improved highway connectivity is expected to rise significantly.
The new highway alignment will begin at JNPA Port (NH 348) near Pagote village and end at the Mumbai-Pune Highway (NH-48), while also linking the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and the Mumbai-Goa National Highway (NH-66).
To facilitate smooth traffic flow, especially for commercial vehicles, two tunnels will be constructed through the Sahayadri Hills, replacing the existing ghat section. This will ensure faster and safer movement for large container trucks.
The 6-lane Greenfield corridor is expected to enhance port connectivity, improve logistics efficiency, and drive economic growth in the Mumbai-Pune region. The project is anticipated to boost trade, development, and prosperity in surrounding areas.