November 20, 2025: The Navi Mumbai traffic system is set for major changes as CIDCO begins construction of the ambitious Kharghar–Turbhe Link Road (KTLR) underground tunnel project on November 20. Estimated at around Rs 2,100 crore, the 1.763 km tunnel aims to significantly ease east-west connectivity and slash travel time between Kharghar, Belapur, and Turbhe by nearly 30 minutes. According to CIDCO, the new corridor will reduce the current 40-minute commute between Turbhe and Kharghar to just 10 minutes while also decongesting the heavily burdened Sion-Panvel Highway.
To facilitate uninterrupted construction, the Navi Mumbai Traffic Police have announced a one-year traffic diversion plan effective from November 20 until November 16 next year. DCP (Traffic) Tirupati Kakade stated that work will commence from Kharghar Gurudwara up to Juinagar railway station, falling under the Turbhe Traffic Unit. Construction will begin roughly 100 metres before the Shirawane Bridge on the Sion-Panvel Highway.
As part of the diversion, the service road on the Pune-bound carriageway—from Sawan Knowledge Park to Shirawane MIDC towards Delta Stellar Company—will be converted into a one-way route for all vehicles, excluding emergency services such as police, fire brigade, ambulances, and government vehicles.
DCP Kakade explained, “During the ongoing project work, alternative routes for motorists have been chalked out.” Vehicles from Uran Phata will be rerouted via Turbhe MIDC Road, while those coming from Nerul’s internal roads will be directed to the Sion-Panvel Highway. Access from Shirawane village towards MIDC and the tunnel work zone will remain completely closed until project completion.
He further added that vehicles from Shirawane village will be diverted to the Juinagar railway station service road, while those heading to the LP Bridge in Nerul must use the LP Bridge service road. Additionally, vehicles from Nerul and Shirawane villages will be rerouted to the Mumbai-bound carriageway of the Sion-Panvel Highway.
This extensive diversion plan aims to minimise disruption while enabling the smooth execution of one of Navi Mumbai’s most critical infrastructure upgrades.
Source: The Times of India
