CIDCO is embarking on two vital road projects, the Ulwe Coastal Road (UCR) and Kharghar Coastal Road (KCR), to ensure seamless connectivity to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) and regional developments. The UCR, spanning 5.8 kilometers, will link the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) to NMIA, featuring a railway overbridge and an elevated link road crucial for efficient transportation. Despite initial estimates, the project's cost is now expected to reach INR 1,400 crore. Simultaneously, the KCR will connect Kharghar to CBD Belapur, enhancing traffic flow across Navi Mumbai. Both projects, slated for completion by early 2026, signify CIDCO's commitment to bolstering regional infrastructure and fostering economic growth.
CIDCO, the City and Industrial Development Corporation in India, is embarking on two crucial road projects, the Ulwe Coastal Road (UCR) and Kharghar Coastal Road (KCR), to ensure seamless connectivity to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) and other significant developments in the region.
The UCR, a six-lane road, will serve as a vital link between the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) and NMIA. With a length of 5.8 kilometers, it will commence at Amra Marg and culminate at the MTHL junction in Shivaji Nagar, Ulwe. Notably, the UCR project recently obtained permission from the Bombay High Court to remove 3,728 mangroves, essential for its alignment. This project has been planned to incorporate an elevated link road spanning 1.2 kilometers, along with a railway overbridge over the Nerul-Uran suburban railway line and Amra Marg. These infrastructural elements are crucial as they will directly connect to the airport, ensuring efficient transportation for passengers and cargo.
The clearance process for the UCR has been comprehensive, with approvals from the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) and the state Environment Impact Assessment Authority for compliance with coastal regulation norms. Additionally, environmental and forest clearances from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) have been secured. CIDCO's commitment to environmental conservation is evident in its decision to build the road on stilts to minimize disruption to the mangrove ecosystem. Furthermore, replantation efforts will be undertaken in consultation with the mangrove cell, highlighting the corporation's dedication to sustainable development practices.
Despite initial cost estimates of INR 700 crore, the UCR project is now expected to incur approximately INR 1,400 crore due to design modifications. CIDCO has already appointed a consortium of contractors for the project's first phase, and tendering for the stilt work in mangrove areas is imminent. With an anticipated completion timeline of 24 months, CIDCO is poised to commence construction soon, pending working permission from the forest department.
In parallel, the KCR project is set to connect the Kharghar node to the CBD Belapur node, serving as a vital artery for traffic flow between NMIA and various parts of Navi Mumbai. This project, spanning 9.6 kilometers with a width of 30 meters, will feature a grade-separated interchange over the Sion-Panvel highway, ensuring smooth and high-speed connectivity. It has already received approval from MCZMA, with pending clearance from MoEFCC. The project's estimated cost of INR 300 crore may be subject to revision due to planned design changes and other factors.
Both the UCR and KCR projects are greenfield initiatives, devoid of any significant obstacles. CIDCO remains optimistic about completing these projects by early 2026, underscoring their commitment to enhancing regional infrastructure and facilitating economic growth. These road projects are poised to not only support the operational efficiency of NMIA but also catalyze development in surrounding areas, including the International Corporate Park and PMAY housing at Kharghar, contributing to the overall advancement of Navi Mumbai's infrastructure landscape.