The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of a 6-lane access-controlled greenfield high-speed National Highway connecting JNPA Port (Pagote) to Chowk in Maharashtra. The project, spanning 29.219 kilometers, will be developed under the Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) model with an estimated cost of Rs 4,500.62 crore.
The initiative is aligned with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, focusing on enhancing road connectivity to major and minor ports in India. With rising container volumes at JNPA Port and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, the highway will address congestion and streamline logistics.
Currently, it takes 2-3 hours for vehicles to travel from JNPA Port to the Golden Quadrilateral (NH-48) and the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, due to heavy traffic in urban areas like Palaspe Phata, D-Point, Kalamboli Junction, and Panvel. After the airport's operationalization in 2025, traffic demand is expected to increase further, making the highway a crucial infrastructure addition.
The new alignment, starting at JNPA Port (NH-348) and ending at the Mumbai-Pune Highway (NH-48), will also provide seamless connectivity to the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and Mumbai-Goa National Highway (NH-66). Two tunnels through the Sahyadri hills will replace the ghat section, facilitating faster and safer movement of large container trucks.
This project is anticipated to significantly improve port connectivity, enhance freight movement efficiency, and drive economic growth in the regions surrounding Mumbai and Pune.