Maharashtra Approves Transport Infrastructure Projects Worth INR 22,611 Crore

On Tuesday, the Infrastructure Committee of the Maharashtra Cabinet cleared infrastructure projects in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) worth INR 22,611 crore. This is to reduce congestion and improve connectivity across the region. These approvals were sanctioned at the Cabinet Infrastructure Committee meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Let’s take a look at the projects that are covered under this approval. 

Upcoming Maharashtra Infra Projects: Fountain Hotel Tunnel & Bhyander Elevated Corridor

Out of the total approved amount, about INR 17,036 crore has been allocated for the Gaimukh-Fountain Hotel tunnel and Fountain Hotel-Bhayander elevated corridor.  A 5.58-km six-lane tunnel is set to be constructed between Gaimukh and Fountain Hotel, located on Ghodbunder Road. 

Also, a 9.58-km, six-lane elevated corridor to connect the Fountain Hotel and Bhyander. According to the government, this project will reduce congestion on the Ghodbunder Road. This will, in turn, offer faster connectivity between Mumbai and Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli, Nashik, Panvel, and National Highway 48. 

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The construction of this tunnel will be completed using Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) technology. It will have a diameter of 14 metres and is targeted to be completed in the next 5 years. The elevated corridor will run parallel to the Vasai Creek and will allow vehicles to speed up to 100 kmph. 

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Expansion Of Navi Mumbai Metro

About INR 5,575 crore from the total outlay has been sanctioned for Navi Mumbai Metro Line 1A and Metro Line 2. City And Industrial Development Corporation Of Maharashtra Ltd’s (CIDCO) Metro Line 1A will serve between Sagar Sangam and CBD Belapur. Metro Line 2 will serve between Pendhar and Nevi Mumbai International Airport Terminal 4. 

This is to extend the connectivity towards the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport. It will create a 28 km continuous metro corridor, improving public transport access. The expansion is expected to serve around 12 lakh passengers per day. 

The Cabinet committee has also appointed the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) as a special planning authority for the project area. 

The approvals walked in a few days after the tightening of norms with respect to approvals for large infrastructure projects. This is to control delays and cost overruns. 

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Summing Up

The Infrastructure Committee of Maharashtra has approved transport infrastructure projects for the MMR. This includes the expansion of the Navi Mumbai Metro project and the development of a tunnel and corridor near Ghodbunder Road.