Work has started on the INR 2099-crore Kharghar-Turbhe Tunnel Link Road (KTLR) project, aimed at reducing travel time between Turbhe and Kharghar from 40 minutes to 10 minutes. Overseen by CIDCO, the project features a 1.8-km twin tunnel through Kharghar hill, a 3.4-km elevated viaduct, and a 1.5-km elevated road connecting Central Park to Taloja. Scheduled for completion by September 2028, the KTLR will ease congestion on the Sion-Panvel highway, improve east-west connectivity, and enhance access to Atal Setu and Navi Mumbai Airport. This project is set to boost regional infrastructure and support economic growth in Navi Mumbai.
Work has commenced on the INR 2099-crore Kharghar-Turbhe Tunnel Link Road (KTLR), which will reduce the travel time between Turbhe and Kharghar from the current 40 minutes to 10 minutes, easing congestion on the busy Sion-Panvel highway. The project, aimed at improving east-west connectivity within Navi Mumbai and enhancing links between Navi Mumbai and other regions in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), is expected to be completed by September 2028, according to officials.
An official from the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), the nodal agency overseeing the project, stated that motorists travelling to Navi Mumbai via the Sion-Panvel highway would benefit from the KTLR, which begins at Jui Nagar railway station. The official explained that the new road would cut travel time by 30 minutes and offer seamless connectivity to the Atal Setu and the upcoming Navi Mumbai airport.
The detailed project report for the KTLR, prepared by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) and reviewed by CIDCO, outlines the construction of a 1.8-km twin tunnel through Kharghar hill and a 3.4-km elevated viaduct. The road will begin at Turbhe, run parallel to the Sion-Panvel highway up to Jui Nagar railway station, and pass through two unidirectional tunnels in Kharghar hill before concluding at a 30-metre road near Central Park junction in Kharghar.
Additionally, a 1.5-km elevated road will connect Central Park with the central jail in Taloja, while a subway will link Central Park with the proposed international corporate park. Once completed, the project will provide quicker access to Kharghar, Taloja, and the adjacent industrial areas for Mumbaikars. It will also offer direct connectivity for residents of Mumbai and Thane to the CIDCO golf course in Navi Mumbai.
The contract for the project was awarded to Rithwik Projects Pvt Ltd in October last year, while the letter of award for its design, construction, and commissioning was granted earlier this year. CIDCO officials confirmed that work on the project had recently begun and is expected to be completed within four years. They emphasised that all necessary regulatory protocols are being followed.
In conclusion, the KTLR project represents a significant advancement in Navi Mumbai's infrastructure, promising to improve travel efficiency and connectivity for residents. Once completed, it will not only ease congestion but also support economic growth by linking key areas, making daily commutes more manageable for Mumbaikars and enhancing access to vital locations like the new airport.