Mumbai: While the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) — connecting Sewri with Chirle near Nhava Sheva — has already enhanced connectivity for motorists, work on the proposed elevated corridor linking Chirle to the Mumbai–Pune Expressway is progressing rapidly.

The corridor comprises two six-lane elevated stretches: a 4.96-km section from Chirle to Gavhan Phata in Ulwe and a 1.7-km section from Palaspe to Kon village near Panvel. Once operational, the link will strengthen connectivity between National Highways 348 and 48, cutting travel time between South Mumbai and Pune or Lonavala by nearly 60 to 90 minutes. The ₹1,100-crore project is expected to be completed by February 2027.

Being executed by Gawhar Constructions Limited, the project consists of two distinct six-lane elevated road sections.

Progress on First Elevated Section

Construction has commenced on the first elevated section, spanning 4.5 km from Atal Setu to the Gavan Interchange. Recent updates indicate active work at the Chirle Interchange, where the road begins. Entry and exit ramps are under construction, with girder launching currently underway on one ramp. On the second ramp, preparatory works such as pier casting and piling are ongoing, and cast piers are being stacked nearby.

Further along this 4.5-km corridor — which crosses National Highway 348 — steady progress is visible. Many piers have been erected, and several have reached the pier head stage. The corridor will pass over the Gavan Interchange, where pier casting has recently begun. Overall, the pace of work on this section is reported to be satisfactory.

Progress on Second Elevated Section

The second elevated corridor, a 2.5-km stretch running from Palaspe Junction to the Kon Village entry/exit point of the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, will also feature six lanes. However, according to local reports, groundwork for this section has not yet visibly commenced.

Once completed, the connector will not only streamline outbound traffic from Mumbai but also ensure smoother connectivity for vehicles traveling from Pune to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport. While the first phase is progressing well, the overall project may miss its earlier deadline, as work on the second bridge segment is yet to start.

Notably, the MTHL — officially named the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri–Nhava Sheva Atal Setu — is India’s longest sea bridge, inaugurated on January 12, 2024. It has already brought Mumbai closer to Panvel, JNPT, and Navi Mumbai, providing faster access to key destinations such as NMIA, JNPT Port, the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, and the Mumbai–Goa Highway — thereby boosting connectivity and regional growth. DeshGujarat