The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has completed the installation of crucial steel girders at Bharat Bijlee Junction in Airoli, advancing construction of the 12.71-km Airoli–Katai Naka elevated road. The first two phases, covering approximately 6 km, are nearing completion and are expected to open to motorists soon.
The girder installation involved curved steel structures weighing 95 tonnes and 110 tonnes, positioned along the downward carriageways using heavy-duty cranes. The operation was conducted during overnight traffic blocks between October 9 and 11, with support from the Navi Mumbai Traffic Police.
The newly installed structures will provide direct access between Thane–Belapur Road and the elevated corridor, improving movement between Thane and Navi Mumbai.
Phase II, covering 2.57 km between Airoli and Thane–Belapur Road, has been completed. Phase I, extending 3.43 km from Thane–Belapur Road to National Highway 4 near Mumbra, is undergoing final finishing and systems integration. Officials are preparing to open both sections together to ensure a continuous route from the Mulund–Airoli Bridge towards NH-4.
Once operational, the initial sections are expected to reduce travel distance between Mulund and Katai Naka by approximately 7–8 km and cut journey times by an estimated 35–40 minutes. The corridor is also expected to ease pressure on existing routes, including Thane–Belapur Road, Mahape Road and Shilphata Junction.
The project includes a six-lane elevated road and twin three-lane tunnels constructed using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method. Safety provisions include ventilation, firefighting equipment, high-pressure water-mist systems, intelligent lighting, variable message signboards and refuge lanes.
Construction of Phase III, a 6.71-km elevated stretch linking NH-4 with Katai Naka along the Kalyan–Shil Road corridor, is progressing. The final phase is scheduled for completion by October 2028.
The project forms part of MMRDA’s “Mumbai in Minutes” initiative, which aims to make infrastructure available to commuters in stages. Once the entire corridor is operational, it is expected to strengthen connectivity among Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Dombivli, Kalyan and Badlapur, while facilitating goods movement across the region.
Source: The Free Press Journal
Pic Credit: Mid-day
