As the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) obtained all necessary environmental permits to build in a mangrove-rich area, the long-delayed Palm Beach Road extension project from Ghansoli to Airoli has finally started. The estimated cost of the project is ₹550 crore. It is expected to be completed by September next year.
Why Was The Construction Of The Palm Beach Road Extension Stalled?
Following the completion of a 19.20-km section from Belapur to Ghansoli, CIDCO encountered delays in the construction of the 21.12-km road from Belapur to Airoli sector 10A to link to Mulund-Thane-Mumbai, as the remaining 2 km of work fell within the mangrove zone. The original plan called for a 2-kilometre road in the area, but it is now being extended to the Airoli-Mulund Creek bridge, making it a 3.47-kilometre road.
The project was stalled for years since the route would cross through a mangrove area. In order to prevent disturbance of the mangroves, NMMC designed a 1.9-kilometre bridge Hindustan Times reported. To comply, it has also started plantations in Palghar and obtained the necessary approvals from the high court, the forest department, and the mangrove protection committee.
Budget, Timeline & More
The project’s work has begun with the necessary environmental permits and soil testing done, according to Shirish Aradwad, the city engineer. They have requested that the contractor finish the job by September of the following year, he told HT.
It is anticipated that the project will cost ₹550 crore, of which CIDCO will share half. In addition to offering a quick and straightforward way to get to Airoli from the rest of the city, it will also link to the Airoli-Mulund Creek Bridge and allow access to several neighbouring cities.
This road will allow drivers who currently travel to Airoli and beyond via the congested Thane-Belapur (TB) road to get there more quickly. Additionally, it will lessen the TB road congestion near Airoli during rush hour. Drivers will also be able to drive to Kalyan, Badlapur, Ambernath, and Murbad, thanks to the road’s connection to the Airoli-Mulund bridge area, where the Airoli-Katai route is also approaching.
Additionally, the route connects to the Navi Mumbai International Airport on a regional level. It will also be a part of the Thane to Sanpada Coastal Road project.
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