Introduction:
In an exciting development, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is making significant progress on the construction of the Airoli-Katai Naka Road. Once completed, this road project promises to alleviate heavy traffic on Shilphata Road, reducing travel time between Katai Naka and Airoli by approximately 30 minutes. Commuters traveling to Kalyan, Dombivli, Ambernath, and Badlapur from Mumbai will greatly benefit from this new route. Additionally, the road’s construction is expected to bring an upswing in demand for property purchases in fast- growing areas such as Kalyan-Dombivli and Navi Mumbai.
Alignment and Progress:
Spanning a total length of 12.3 km, the Airoli-Katai Naka Road consists of three distinct sections. The first phase focuses on constructing a 3.43-km road connecting the Thane-Belapur road to National Highway-4. Notably, this phase involves the creation of a twin tunnel, measuring 1.69 km in length, which features three lanes, an emergency lane, and an elevated portion. The elevated portion is already 92% complete, while the tunnel work stands at 66% completion, according to officials.
In the second phase, a 2.57 km fully elevated road would link the Mulund-Airoli bridge with the Thane-Belapur road. Over 67% of the work in this section has been accomplished. Finally, the third phase entails the construction of a 6.30-km fully elevated road, connecting NH-4 and Katai Naka at Kalyan-Shil Road.
Benefits and Impact:
The completion of the Airoli-Katai Naka Road will bring about numerous benefits.
1. It will alleviate the heavy traffic congestion currently experienced on Shilphata Road.
2. Commuters can look forward to saving approximately 30 minutes of travel time, while fuel consumption will also be reduced.
3. This infrastructure project along with other proposed developments like Virar Ailbaug Multimodal Corridor, Kalyan Taloja Metro Line & the International airport will stimulate demand for housing and commercial properties in key areas of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, including Kalyan, Ambernath, Navi Mumbai, and the surrounding regions.
Cost, Timeline, and Challenges:
The estimated cost of the project stands at INR 237.55 crore, reflecting the significant investment made by the MMRDA. Work on the Airoli-Katai Naka Road began in November 2017, and the project is slated to be fully completed and open to traffic within the next eight months. However, the
undertaking has not been without its challenges. Constructing the road in creek and mangrove areas required careful consideration to ensure the preservation of the eco-sensitive zones. Moreover, the construction of a twin tunnel through Parsik Hill presented a crucial and challenging task.
Additionally, the alignment of the new road passes through busy sections of the National Highway, necessitating the implementation of special traffic curbs during nighttime to facilitate the transportation of heavy steel girders.
Protective Measures:
To ensure the safety of motorists and minimize potential disruptions, the MMRDA plans to construct a Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) wall as a protective barrier along Parsik Hill. This measure aims to prevent landslides, the risk of loose boulders falling onto vehicles, and any hindrance to the smooth flow of traffic.
Conclusion:
The Airoli-Katai Naka Road is poised to transform commuting experiences for residents and visitors alike, significantly reducing travel time and easing traffic congestion. With the completion of this crucial infrastructure project, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region can anticipate enhanced
development and connectivity, benefiting numerous areas including Kalyan, Ambernath, Navi Mumbai, and beyond.
Source – Indian Express