First phase of Airoli-Katai elevated road may open by Diwali, only light vehicles allowed

There is good news for commuters in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region troubled by traffic jams. Work on the first phase of the long-awaited Airoli-Katai elevated road has reached its final stage, and efforts are on to open the route to vehicles around Diwali.

Senior officials of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and the traffic police recently toured the route together and reviewed traffic arrangements. MMRDA officials were joined by Navi Mumbai traffic police on the visit. The administration has begun preparations so that vehicles move smoothly once the route opens and existing roads are not overburdened. Entry and exit points of the route and the plan to divert traffic were discussed in detail.

Heavy vehicles of all kinds will be barred from the route in the initial phase. Deputy Commissioner Rahul Khade said that, keeping traffic safety in mind, only three-wheelers and light four-wheelers will be allowed on the elevated road in the first phase.

The Airoli-Katai elevated project is about 12.71 km long in all. The first phase is 3.43 km, between Thane-Belapur Road and National Highway 4, and includes a twin tunnel through the Parsik hills and the elevated road. The first two phases are nearing completion, with painting, final technical work and load testing under way. The third phase, 6.71 km from National Highway 4 to Katai Naka, is targeted for completion by October 2028.

At present, heavy congestion on Airoli-Mumbra Road every day costs motorists and working people a great deal of time and fuel. Once the first phase opens, those travelling from Airoli towards Mumbra, Dombivli and Kalyan will get a major alternative route. Residents of Navi Mumbai and Thane are therefore expected to get considerable relief from jams during the Diwali festive season. When the entire project is complete, travel between Navi Mumbai, Thane and Kalyan-Dombivli will be much faster and easier.