Thane : In a bid to alleviate traffic congestion plaguing the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is set to embark on a new venture to construct a traffic-controlled route directly connecting Mumbai to Badlapur, bypassing the traffic-laden streets of Thane city and Navi Mumbai. This strategic initiative aims to streamline traffic flow and minimize travel time for commuters traversing between these key destinations.
The proposed plan entails meticulous testing and planning to construct roads that circumvent congested urban areas, while minimizing land acquisition and maximizing the utilization of open spaces. With urbanization rapidly transforming cities like Thane, Kalyan, Dombivli, Ulhasnagar, Ambernath, and Badlapur within the Mumbai metropolitan region, the need for efficient connectivity has become increasingly imperative.
Presently, several state roads and highways pass at a distance from these burgeoning urban centers, yet lack direct connections, leading to prolonged travel times and inconvenience for commuters. To address this challenge, Dr. Srikant Shinde, Member of Parliament for the Kalyan Lok Sabha Constituency, championed the initiative during discussions at the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority meeting. Subsequently, a preliminary study was conducted, paving the way for the MMRDA's ambitious project.
The envisioned route is slated to traverse Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Panvel, and extend through Dombivli Rural, parts of Kalyan Rural, and proximate to Ulhasnagar, Ambernath, and Badlapur. By constructing a parallel route to the Dedicated Freight Corridor, commuters can anticipate expedited travel times, with the potential to exit the city within a mere five to seven minutes.
Crucially, the project aims to minimize land acquisition, with an emphasis on swift construction while steering clear of residential areas, reserved plots, and buildings. Efforts are underway to navigate through forest departments, government plots, and foothills to ensure minimal disruption to existing infrastructure.
The anticipated benefits of this initiative are multifaceted, promising not only reduced travel times and fuel consumption but also alleviating the burden of congestion on existing road networks. Moreover, enhanced connectivity is expected to catalyze economic growth and development across the region, fostering greater accessibility and convenience for residents and commuters alike.
As the MMRDA progresses with its plans, stakeholders eagerly await the realization of this transformative infrastructure project, poised to redefine mobility and connectivity within the Mumbai metropolitan region.