The construction of the 7.35-km elevated connector linking Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (Atal Setu) with the Mumbai-Pune Expressway has reached 67% completion, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) announced on November 9, 2026. The six-lane corridor is expected to cut travel time between South Mumbai and Pune by approximately 60 to 90 minutes.
The project aims to provide a direct connection between the two major routes while allowing motorists to bypass the congested Panvel Main Junction. It is also expected to improve access to Navi Mumbai International Airport, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and other important destinations.
Work is progressing across the Chirle and Palaspe sections, covering foundations, piers, elevated structures and road infrastructure. In Chirle, foundation construction has been completed, with 113 piles and 42 open foundations in place. Pier construction has reached 98%, with 153 of the planned 155 piers completed. Deck slab work stands at 49%, while railway overbridge construction is 85% complete.
In Palaspe, pile-group foundation work has reached 71%, with 15 of 21 groups completed. Pier casting is 38% complete, while girder casting has been finished. Reinforced Earth wall panel work in both sections has reached 90%.
The elevated alignment is being built above existing roads and bridges in a third-level configuration, enabling vehicles to move without being affected by traffic congestion at lower junctions. Besides improving passenger travel, the corridor is expected to strengthen freight connectivity towards the Mumbai-Goa Highway, NH-48 and NH-348.
The project is part of MMRDA’s broader ‘Mumbai in 59 Minutes’ vision, which seeks to improve regional mobility through integrated transport infrastructure.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the connector would strengthen economic links and logistics efficiency across Maharashtra.
“The future of Maharashtra’s economic growth depends on how efficiently we connect our cities, industries, ports and emerging development centres. Atal Setu has already transformed connectivity between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. The Mumbai-Pune Expressway Connector will take this transformation further by creating a faster and more seamless connection between two of Maharashtra’s most important economic centres. By reducing travel time, improving logistics efficiency and strengthening regional accessibility, we are building infrastructure that supports economic growth, attracts investment and improves the quality of life of citizens. Our vision is to develop a Maharashtra where infrastructure becomes an enabler of opportunity, productivity and balanced regional development,” Fadnavis said.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said the corridor would extend Atal Setu’s connectivity benefits towards Pune and Goa.
“Our focus has always been on ensuring that major infrastructure projects deliver tangible benefits to the common commuter. Atal Setu has brought Mumbai and Navi Mumbai closer, and this connector will extend those benefits towards Pune, Goa and other important destinations. The 7.35-km elevated corridor is expected to reduce travel time by approximately 60 to 90 minutes while easing congestion around Panvel. Every minute saved in travel means more time for families, greater convenience for commuters and improved efficiency for businesses. Through such strategic connectivity projects, MMRDA is working to make travel across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region faster, smoother and more convenient,” Shinde said.
Source: Mid-day
