Navi Mumbai is set to witness a major infrastructure transformation as the ambitious Kharghar-Turbhe Link Road (KTLR) underground tunnel project, valued at approximately Rs 2100 crore, commences construction on November 20. The Navi Mumbai Traffic Police has proactively announced comprehensive traffic diversion plans that will remain in effect for one year, until November 16 next year, to minimize inconvenience for daily commuters.
Project Overview and Travel Benefits
The 1.763-kilometer underground tunnel represents a significant engineering endeavor designed to dramatically improve connectivity between key Navi Mumbai areas. According to CIDCO, the project's primary benefit will be reducing travel time between Kharghar, Belapur, and Turbhe by approximately 30 minutes. Specifically, the journey between Turbhe and Kharghar will see the most dramatic improvement, shrinking from the current 40 minutes to just 10 minutes.
This infrastructure development is expected to significantly alleviate congestion on the perpetually busy Sion-Panvel Highway, offering commuters a faster, more efficient alternative route. The reduced travel time and decreased traffic pressure on existing roads promise to enhance the daily commuting experience for thousands of motorists.
Construction Timeline and Traffic Management
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Tirupati Kakade provided detailed information about the project's commencement and associated traffic arrangements. Construction work will initiate from November 20, stretching from the Kharghar Gurudwara to Juinagar railway station, falling under the jurisdiction of the Turbhe traffic unit.
The actual construction will begin approximately 100 meters before the Shirawane bridge on the Sion-Panvel Highway. In response, the service road on the Pune carriageway of the Sion-Panvel highway, extending from Sawan Knowledge Park Company to Shirawane MIDC towards Delta Stellar Company, will be designated as 'One-way' for all vehicle types.
This restriction will not apply to emergency and essential services vehicles, including police vans, fire brigade trucks, ambulances, and government vehicles, ensuring that critical services remain uninterrupted during the construction period.
Detailed Traffic Diversion Plans
The traffic police department has meticulously charted alternative routes to manage the expected disruption. Motorists coming from Uran phata will be redirected to the Turbhe MIDC road, while vehicles arriving from Nerul via internal roads will be diverted onto the Sion-Panvel Highway.
A significant closure affects the route from Shirawane village to MIDC near the ongoing underground tunnel work entrance, which will remain completely inaccessible until project completion. Vehicles originating from Shirawane village will instead be directed toward the Juinagar railway station service road.
Additionally, traffic moving from Shirawane village to LP Bridge in Nerul will be rerouted to the LP bridge service road. Vehicles traveling from both Nerul and Shirawane villages will be diverted to the Mumbai carriageway of the Sion-Panvel highway, creating a comprehensive network of alternative pathways to maintain mobility throughout the construction phase.
The authorities emphasize that these measures, while potentially causing temporary inconvenience, are essential for the successful implementation of a project that promises long-term benefits for Navi Mumbai's transportation infrastructure and commuting public.
