Navi Mumbai, 7th October 2024: Kalamboli Circle, a crucial traffic hub on the Sion-Panvel highway, is set for a significant overhaul to address ongoing congestion issues, following the approval of a ₹770.49 crore infrastructure project by the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari.
Kalamboli Circle serves as a key intersection connecting major routes leading to Mumbai, Pune, Kalyan, and other national and state highways. This critical junction handles extensive freight and passenger traffic, often experiencing severe daily congestion due to the continuous passage of heavy container trucks and vehicles. The frequent traffic bottlenecks have led to fuel wastage and significant delays, posing a constant challenge for local authorities in managing the traffic flow.
The newly approved infrastructure project, spanning 15.53 kilometres, aims to provide a permanent solution to the traffic congestion at Kalamboli Junction. The project will involve upgrading and expanding the circle to improve traffic flow, benefiting both commuters and freight carriers. Panvel MLA Prashant Thakur and Uran MLA Mahesh Baldi were instrumental in advocating for this initiative, recognizing its importance for enhancing transportation efficiency in the region.
Both MLAs had been actively engaging with Nitin Gadkari, conducting multiple meetings to address the traffic challenges at Kalamboli Circle. Their persistent efforts have resulted in securing approval for this extensive project, which is anticipated to bring long-term relief to the area’s traffic problems. The tendering process will commence soon, and construction is expected to begin shortly thereafter.
In a statement, Prashant Thakur expressed gratitude to Gadkari for approving the project, highlighting that it will save motorists time and fuel while also reducing pressure on local law enforcement.
The Kalamboli Circle is projected to face increased traffic once the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) becomes operational. To prepare for this, the expansion project is viewed as an essential step in ensuring that infrastructure can manage the anticipated rise in traffic volumes. The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), CIDCO, and the National Highway Development Authority have already initiated road development projects around the NMIA area. An international consultant has been appointed to supervise these efforts, ensuring that the new roads and the upgraded Kalamboli Circle will meet the growing transportation needs of the region.
This development project is expected to significantly enhance connectivity throughout Maharashtra, reduce travel times for commuters and freight vehicles, and improve the overall efficiency of the state’s transportation network.