To improve connection between JNPA Port in Pagote and Chowk in Maharashtra, the Union Cabinet has sanctioned the construction of a six-lane, access-controlled greenfield high-speed National Highway. With a total expenditure of Rs 4,500.62 crore, the project, which would span 29.219 kilometres, will be developed under the build, operate, and transfer (BOT) approach.
The decision, sanctioned by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aligns with the government’s broader vision of strengthening logistics and transport infrastructure. The initiative is part of the PM Gatishakti National Master Plan, which focuses on multimodal connectivity to major and minor ports across India.
The region now urgently needs better road infrastructure due to the growing volume of containers at JNPA Port and the planned Navi Mumbai International Airport. Travel times from JNPA Port to the Golden Quadrilateral (NH-48) and Mumbai-Pune Motorway are currently two to three hours due to traffic in metropolitan areas like Palaspe Phata, D-Point, Kalamboli Junction, and Panvel. Reducing transit delays and expediting freight transportation are the goals of the new high-speed corridor.
The highway will start at JNPA Port on NH-348 near Pagote village and end at the Mumbai-Pune Highway (NH-48), with direct linkages to the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and Mumbai-Goa National Highway (NH-66). A key highlight of the project is the construction of two tunnels through the Sahayadri range, eliminating bottlenecks in the traditional ghat section and facilitating uninterrupted movement of freight vehicles.
In addition to increasing the effectiveness of logistics, the project is anticipated to stimulate trade and industry, which will propel regional economic growth. It demonstrates the government’s dedication to updating India’s infrastructure in order to facilitate smooth transit systems and economic growth.
Source: Prop News Report
