November 27, 2025: The Navi Mumbai Traffic Department has rolled out extensive, year-long traffic restrictions along the Sion–Panvel Highway as CIDCO begins work on its ambitious underground tunnel connecting Kharghar Gurudwara and Juinagar railway station. The move follows concerns over anticipated public inconvenience during the construction phase of the project, which aims to significantly decongest one of the region’s busiest corridors.
CIDCO has highlighted that the 1.763-kilometre Kharghar–Turbhe link road will dramatically cut travel time between Kharghar, Belapur, and Turbhe. The new tunnel is expected to reduce the current 40-minute commute between Turbhe and Kharghar to just 10 minutes, easing the load on the overburdened Sion–Panvel stretch. The project, valued at around Rs 21 billion, commenced construction on Thursday.
To facilitate the work, the construction zone is being positioned in the median of both Mumbai and Pune-bound lanes—around 100 metres before the Shiravane bridge—prompting authorities to implement stringent traffic regulations to ensure safety. As part of the mitigation plan, Navi Mumbai Traffic Police have introduced diversions effective from 20 November this year until 16 November next year.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Tirupati Kakade stated that the Pune-bound service road from Sawan Knowledge Park to Delta Stellar Company in Shiravane MIDC will function as a one-way route. Additionally, the underpass from Shiravane village towards MIDC will remain shut for the entire duration of construction.
According to the traffic notice, vehicles from Uran Phata will be redirected through Punyagiri MIDC, while motorists from internal Nerul roads must access the Sion–Panvel Highway. Traffic emerging from Shiravane village will be channelled either through the Juinagar Railway Station service road or the LP Bridge service road, based on destination. Those travelling from Nerul and Shiravane may also use the Mumbai-bound lane as an alternative route.
“These diversions are essential to ensure smooth traffic movement and public safety during the construction period. We urge motorists to cooperate and use the designated alternative routes,” Kakade said. Essential services—including police, fire brigade, ambulances, and government vehicles—are exempt from the restrictions.
The notification will remain in force from 00:01 hrs on 20 November 2025 until midnight on 16 November 2026, covering the full span of the CIDCO tunnel project.
