In a decision that will boost connectivity between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, the Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA) has appointed a foreign company to work out the details of the bridge connecting Ghatkopar to Ghansoli and Koparkhairane.

The bridge will be third of its kind to be connecting Mumbai to the satellite city; the other two being the one in Vashi and the one in Airoli. It will cut down on the travel time by at least an hour.

The Ghatkopar-Koparkhairane bridge which is around 6.50km will help save time of people travelling to and fro. The project is also important in view of the international airport being planned in Panvel.

There are also plans for a tunnel on the Turbhe-Taloja section and the Sewree-Uran link road. The upcoming bridge will help decongest traffic near the Chembur-Mankhurd link road junction and also on the Sion-Trombay section.

MMRDA, Cidco and the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) are taking steps to improve regional and local connectivity in the city after the centre agreed to the construction of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). A consultant appointed to recommend methods to handle increased traffic in the city, had recommended augmentation of various rail and road routes, while resurrecting water transport between Mumbai and the satellite city.

The consultant stressed upon widening roads like the Sion-Panvel Highway, NH4B, NH4 and Aamra Marg to 10, 8, 6 and 8 lanes, respectively, and recommended more service roads on either sides of the highways. It proposed to widen the arterial Palm Beach Road to 8 lanes. Also, the firm has suggested development of the Vasai-Alibaug and Sewri-Nhava [both proposed by MMRDA] road corridors on fast track basis.

Earlier, while speaking to dna of navi mumbai, Thane guardian minister, Ganesh Naik, said, “We want to build an elevated road from Vashi that will pass through Koparkhairane, Ghansoli, Airoli and Thane.”

Bridging distancesThe bridge will be third of its kind to be connecting Mumbai to the satellite city, the other two being the one in Vashi and the one in Airoli; and will cut down on the travel time by at least an hourThe Ghatkopar-Koparkhairane bridge which is around 6.50 km will help save time of people travelling to and from both cities. The project is also important in view of the international airport being planned in Panvel.

MMRDA, Cidco and the NMMC are trying to improve regional and local connectivity in the city after the centre agreed to the construction of NMIA.