Work on an important section of the Kalyan Ring Road is set to accelerate after the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) agreed to increase compensation for villagers whose livelihoods depend on Palmyra trees located along the project alignment.
The civic body has raised the payment from Rs 10,000 to Rs 30,000 per tree following discussions with affected villagers. The decision is expected to clear a major obstacle on the 2.3-km Vadavali-Atali stretch under Phase 5, where around 200 Palmyra trees are required to be removed for road construction.
The trees are used by villagers for harvesting and selling their fruit, making their removal a livelihood-related concern. Discussions led by KDMC mayor Harshali Thavil Chaudhari and town planner Surendra Tengle helped resolve the issue, with resistance reportedly easing after the revised compensation was agreed upon.
Ring Road Project Stretches Across Kalyan-Dombivli
The Kalyan Ring Road (KRR) is being developed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). Construction began in 2018, with the project initially planned over 26 km before being expanded to approximately 31 km to address traffic requirements and strengthen connectivity across Kalyan-Dombivli.
KDMC has been supporting MMRDA in dealing with land acquisition matters and other local-level challenges affecting construction.
The route follows the civic body’s approved Development Plan alignment. Beginning at Hedutane village on the Badlapur-Katai Road, it crosses the Shil-Kalyan-Bhiwandi Road near Bhopar and runs close to the Diva-Vasai railway loop and Central Railway tracks near Kopar station.
The alignment also connects with the Motagaon-Mankoli link road, crosses the Diva-Vasai railway line again, runs alongside the Ulhas River and reconnects with the Shil-Kalyan-Bhiwandi Road near Durgadi Bridge before terminating at Titwala.
Phases 4 and 5 Key to Connectivity
The completion of Phases 4 and 5 is expected to improve connectivity towards Titwala and reduce pressure on existing roads in Kalyan West. Officials also expect the project to shorten travel times between Kalyan and Titwala.
However, one significant obstacle remains: a 250-metre section passing through the Adharwadi dumping ground. Authorities expect this stretch to be cleared by December-end.
Once the remaining obstacle is resolved, Phase 4 is expected to become ready for use, while progress on Phase 5 can continue following the resolution of the Palmyra tree issue.
The latest agreement marks another step towards completing the Kalyan Ring Road, which is being developed as a larger alternative route to improve movement across the expanding Kalyan-Dombivli region.
Source: Times of India
