Atal Setu-Mumbai-Pune Expressway connector reaches 67 pc completion, aims to save 90 minutes

The 735km elevated corridor connecting the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link Atal Setu with the MumbaiPune Expressway has achieved 67 per cent physical progress the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority MMRDA said on Monday November 9The sixlane connector is expected to reduce travel time between South Mumbai and Pune by an estimated 60 to 90 minutes once operational It is also designed to help vehicles bypass the congested Panvel Main Junction and improve connectivity towards Navi Mumbai International Airport Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority JNPA and other major destinationsThe project is being developed through the Chirle and Palaspe sections with construction progressing on foundations piers elevated structures and road infrastructureElevated corridor to bypass Panvel junctionThe connector is intended to provide a direct link between Atal Setu and the MumbaiPune Expressway addressing a connectivity gap that has placed additional pressure on the road network around PanvelFollowing the opening of Atal Setu connectivity between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai improved However vehicles travelling towards Pune Goa and JNPA continue to use existing road links around Panvel where traffic from multiple highways convergesThe elevated corridor is being constructed above existing roads and bridge infrastructure in a thirdlevel configuration According to MMRDA this arrangement is intended to allow traffic to move without being affected by congestion at the junctions belowConstruction progresses across Chirle and Palaspe sectionsMMRDA said foundation work in the Chirle section has been completed with 113 piles and 42 open foundations constructed Pier construction is 98 per cent complete with 153 of the planned 155 piers in placeGirder casting and fabrication in this section are substantially complete while deck slab work has reached 49 per cent covering 117 of the 240 spans Reinforced Earth wall panel casting is 90 per cent complete and work on the railway overbridge has reached 85 per centIn the Palaspe section pilegroup foundation work is 71 per cent complete with 15 of the 21 groups constructed Pier casting has reached 38 per cent while girder casting has been completed Reinforced Earth wall panel work is 90 per cent complete and construction of the railway overbridge is ongoingProject expected to improve airport port and highway accessApart from reducing travel time between Mumbai and Pune the connector is expected to improve traffic movement towards Navi Mumbai International Airport and major industrial and logistics destinationsThe route is also intended to improve connectivity between the MumbaiPune Expressway and the MumbaiGoa Highway reducing pressure on Panvel Main Junction It is expected to support traffic movement along National Highway 48 which connects Mumbai Pune and Bengaluru and NH348 which provides access towards JNPAThe improved road connection is expected to benefit both passenger and freight movement across the Mumbai Metropolitan RegionPart of MMRDAs Mumbai in 59 Minutes planThe project forms part of MMRDAs broader Mumbai in 59 Minutes vision which aims to improve regional connectivity through an integrated network of Metro corridors expressways tunnels ring roads and other road linksMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the connector would strengthen links between the states major economic centres and improve logistics efficiencyldquoThe future of Maharashtrarsquos economic growth depends on how efficiently we connect our cities industries ports and emerging development centres Atal Setu has already transformed connectivity between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai The MumbaiPune Expressway Connector will take this transformation further by creating a faster and more seamless connection between two of Maharashtrarsquos most important economic centres By reducing travel time improving logistics efficiency and strengthening regional accessibility we are building infrastructure that supports economic growth attracts investment and improves the quality of life of citizens Our vision is to develop a Maharashtra where infrastructure becomes an enabler of opportunity productivity and balanced regional developmentrdquo Fadnavis saidDeputy Chief Minister and MMRDA Chairman Eknath Shinde said the project was intended to extend the connectivity benefits of Atal Setu towards Pune Goa and other destinationsldquoOur focus has always been on ensuring that major infrastructure projects deliver tangible benefits to the common commuter Atal Setu has brought Mumbai and Navi Mumbai closer and this connector will extend those benefits towards Pune Goa and other important destinations The 735km elevated corridor is expected to reduce travel time by approximately 60 to 90 minutes while easing congestion around Panvel Every minute saved in travel means more time for families greater convenience for commuters and improved efficiency for businesses Through such strategic connectivity projects MMRDA is working to make travel across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region faster smoother and more convenientrdquo Shinde saidMMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Dr Sanjay Mukherjee said the project had made progress across key structural components particularly in the Chirle section He said the connector would help distribute traffic more efficiently and reduce pressure on existing junctions