Indian govt approves ₹4,500 cr high-speed highway to boost JNPA port connectivity
New Delhi: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the construction of a six-lane access-controlled greenfield high-speed National Highway, spanning 29.219 km, to connect JNPA Port (Pagote) with Chowk in Maharashtra.
The project, which will be executed on a build-operate-transfer (BOT) basis, entails an investment of ₹4,500.62 crore, stated an official statement.
Chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs sanctioned the highway project as part of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which prioritises integrated infrastructure planning, particularly in enhancing connectivity to major and minor ports.
With rising container volumes at JNPA Port and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, the need for improved highway connectivity in the region was identified.
At present, vehicles take 2-3 hours to reach the Golden Quadrilateral section of NH-48 and the Mumbai-Pune Expressway due to congestion in urban areas such as Palaspe Phata, D-Point, Kalamboli Junction, and Panvel.
The demand for direct connectivity is expected to grow further after the Navi Mumbai Airport becomes operational in 2025.
The new highway will originate from JNPA Port (NH-348) in Pagote village and terminate at NH-48, linking the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and Mumbai-Goa National Highway (NH-66).
To facilitate the movement of commercial vehicles, two tunnels passing through the Sahyadri range will replace the traditional ghat section, ensuring smoother and faster transit for large container trucks.
The greenfield project aims to enhance port connectivity, ensuring safer and more efficient freight transport while fostering economic development in and around Mumbai and Pune.
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