The long-standing traffic congestion at Kalyanphata and the progress of the Airoli-Katai Naka Freeway came under focus during a meeting between the Janrajya and Kalyanphata Traffic Action Committee (JKTAC) and Thane district collector Dr Shrikrishna Panchal on August 31.
The committee submitted representations carrying signatures from more than 1,000 residents of Dombivli, Kalyanphata, Shilphata and neighbouring areas. It raised seven demands aimed at improving traffic movement and accelerating several pending infrastructure projects.
The Airoli-Katai Naka Freeway was among the principal issues discussed. The collector said the project had emerged as a key concern for elected representatives and government agencies, with efforts focused on completing the corridor at the earliest.
JKTAC also sought updates on land acquisition for Phase 3 of the Airoli-Katai Naka project, as well as the Vadodara-Mumbai Expressway and Virar-Alibaug corridor. Authorities said land acquisition for these major projects had been expedited after budgetary provisions were made.
Of the 430 hectares required for these works in Thane district, around 175 hectares is yet to be acquired, with the process currently underway.
Seven Demands Put Before Collector
The committee said the projects covered under its demands had already received the necessary approvals and therefore required greater coordination between agencies and faster execution.
Among its key demands was completion of the Kalyanphata flyover, which JKTAC said could significantly reduce congestion at the busy junction. The committee also sought completion of the flyover near Xperia Mall, widening of the Panvel-bound carriageway to address the Kalyanphata bottleneck and early implementation of the proposed Kalyanphata traffic signal.
The collector acknowledged the recurring congestion and said the administration would coordinate with the concerned departments and agencies to review pending works and accelerate their progress.
JKTAC further proposed encouraging IT and corporate companies in the region to adopt hybrid or work-from-home arrangements wherever practical. The committee said reducing the number of daily office commuters could ease pressure on the corridor during peak hours. Dr Panchal said the proposal would be examined.
The committee said it would continue to pursue its seven demands with the authorities until visible measures are implemented to address congestion across the Kalyanphata-Shilphata-Dombivli corridor.
Source: The Free Press Journal
