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Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation has started work on a tunnel road beneath Palm Beach Road near Moraj Circle in Sanpada, despite continued opposition over environmental impact. The project will affect 440 trees, with 111 to be cut and 329 to be transplanted. Estimated at INR 33.80 crore, the project is aimed at easing congestion at a key junction. Residents and environmental groups have raised concerns about tree loss and planning changes, but authorities have proceeded without altering the approved design, and on-ground work is now underway.
The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has begun construction of a tunnel road beneath Palm Beach Road in Sanpada, moving forward with a project that has seen sustained opposition from residents and environmental groups. The work is focused around the Moraj Circle junction, which is known for frequent traffic congestion due to heavy vehicle movement and signal delays. Advertisement
The project involves a total of 440 trees within the affected stretch. As per the approved plan, 329 trees are proposed to be transplanted, while 111 will be cut. The proposal had earlier received approval from the state tree authority and was subsequently cleared by the civic body's tree authority as well. However, residents have pointed out that the number of trees impacted has increased compared to earlier versions of the plan, raising concerns about revisions in execution.
On-ground activity has now become visible, with barricading completed at key points and excavation work initiated using heavy machinery. A project board installed at the site indicates a cost of INR 33.80 crore and an expected construction period of about 18 months, excluding the monsoon. The location of the work is close to residential complexes, which has also led to concerns about noise and disruption during the construction phase.
Civic officials have maintained that the design and scope of the project will remain unchanged. The tunnel is intended to ease traffic flow at Moraj Circle by allowing smoother movement of vehicles and reducing waiting time at signals. The junction serves as an important connector for Sanpada and nearby nodes, and has seen rising traffic volumes over the years due to urban growth in Navi Mumbai.
At the same time, opposition from citizens has continued over the past few weeks. Residents and activists have organised demonstrations, including silent protests and human chains, highlighting the environmental cost of the project. Concerns have been raised about the loss of mature trees along Palm Beach Road, which act as a natural buffer and contribute to local air quality. Some participants in these protests have stated that removing such a large number of trees could worsen pollution levels and reduce shade along the stretch.
Environmental groups have also suggested alternative approaches, including redesigning the junction, improving traffic management systems, or considering elevated solutions instead of a tunnel. They have argued that infrastructure development should minimise ecological damage, especially in areas where green cover is already limited. Despite these suggestions and discussions around possible legal challenges, the project has not been revised.
While excavation work has started, tree cutting activity has not yet begun. Residents have noted that the pace of work has picked up recently, indicating that the project has moved from the planning stage to active execution. The coming phases of the project, especially those involving tree removal and transplantation, are expected to remain a key point of concern for local stakeholders.
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