Union Cabinet Approves Six-Lane Access-Controlled Greenfield Expressway

Approval for JNPA Port (Pagote) to Chowk (29.219 km) on BOT (Toll) Basis

New Delhi : The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of a six-lane access-controlled Greenfield expressway between JNPA Port (Pagote) and Chowk (29.219 km) in Maharashtra. This project will be developed under the Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) toll model, with a total capital investment of ₹4,500.62 crore.

Under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the development of road infrastructure connecting major and minor ports in India is a key priority of integrated infrastructure planning. Given the increasing container traffic at JNPA Port and the development of Navi Mumbai International Airport, enhancing national highway connectivity in this region has been recognized as a critical need.

Currently, vehicles exiting JNPA Port face heavy congestion in urban areas such as Palaspe Phata, D-Point, Kalamboli Junction, and Panvel. As a result, it takes approximately 2 to 3 hours for these vehicles to reach the main Golden Quadrilateral (GQ) section of National Highway-48 and the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. With Navi Mumbai Airport set to become operational in 2025, the demand for direct connectivity is expected to rise further.

To address these connectivity requirements and improve logistics efficiency between JNPA Port and Navi Mumbai International Airport, this expressway project has been planned.

The expressway will commence at JNPA Port (NH-348) near Pagote village and terminate at NH-48 on the Mumbai-Pune Highway. Additionally, it will provide connectivity to the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and Mumbai-Goa National Highway (NH-66).

Two tunnels will be constructed through the Sahyadri mountain range to facilitate smooth movement of commercial vehicles, eliminating the need to traverse hilly terrains. This will improve the speed and efficiency of large container trucks, ensuring seamless freight transportation.

The new six-lane Greenfield corridor will significantly enhance port connectivity, improve safe and efficient cargo transportation, and unlock new opportunities for development and economic growth in Mumbai, Pune, and surrounding regions.