KTLR - Pioneering Connectivity

With infrastructure development in full swing, Navi Mumbai is advancing rapidly, transforming connectivity. Following the recent inauguration of the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), also known as the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, residents eagerly anticipate the construction of the Kharghar Turbhe Link Road (KTLR). This vital project spans 5.49 km, connecting key suburbs including Kharghar, Taloja, Vashi, Turbhe, Juinagar, Nerul, APMC Market, and TTC Industrial Estate in Navi Mumbai.

With a five-year timeline and an estimated budget of Rs 2,099 crores, the project currently awaits forest clearance. Upon securing all necessary approvals, groundwork is expected to commence within the next six months. The contract for this significant endeavour has been awarded to Ritwik Projects and Everascon (JV).

A pivotal feature of the project is the construction of a 1.763 km tunnel beneath Parsik Hills, linking Turbhe and Kharghar. This tunnel promises to optimize travel routes, providing a direct link from Taloja to Vashi, Nerul, Juinagar, Kharghar, and Upper Kharghar. CIDCO's objective is to ease traffic congestion along major routes such as Thane-Belapur Road, Palm Beach, and Sion-Panvel, potentially reducing travel time by 30 minutes between Mumbai, Thane, and Kharghar.

The development is poised to enhance connectivity to the proposed Navi Mumbai International Airport and other infrastructure projects, driving growth in the region. By alleviating strain on heavily trafficked routes like the Sion-Panvel highway, which sees over two lakh vehicles daily, the KTLR aims to improve traffic flow and accessibility to key areas within Navi Mumbai, including Airoli-Ghansoli, Koparkhairane, Vashi, Turbhe, APMC Market, Nerul, and Juinagar.

Salient feature of the project:

•    Starting opposite Juinagar Railway Station from the Sion-Panvel Highway and merging into a 30-meter-wide existing road beyond the junction of Gurudwara & Central Park of Kharghar.

•    A total alignment length of 5.490 km, with the tunnel portion spanning 1.763 km.

•    Lane configuration of 4+4 lanes with two Unidirectional Tunnels equipped with all necessary safety provisions.

•    Provisions for catering to commercial  traffic.

This project aims to establish direct connectivity between Vashi/Juinagar/Nerul Nodes of Navi Mumbai within the MMR region and the International Corporate Park in Kharghar.

The Kharghar-Turbhe six km link road marks a pivotal development, connecting Mumbai-Navi Mumbai and Taloja Proposed by MSRDC. This significant infrastructure endeavour promises rapid growth for Taloja and Kharghar, linking them to major corridors like Delhi-Mumbai and Virar-Alibag. With a recent tender of Rs 483 crore for extended Taloja MIDC infrastructure, the Morbe circle - Taloja region is poised as a future development hub. Expect property prices in Taloja to soar with this connectivity boost. - Prakash Baviskar, Secretary, CREDAI-MCHI, Navi Mumbai 

The upcoming infrastructure developments, including the KTLR and the Navi Mumbai Metro Line, will escalate the growth of these peripheral markets, providing locational convenience and modern-day infrastructure. The KTLR project is expected to reduce commute times, making Navi Mumbai a more attractive location for both homebuyers and investors. The improved accessibility to Kharghar and Turbhe is likely to lead to an increase in real estate prices, making Kharghar a prime investment destination. Overall, the completion of the KTLR project is anticipated to bolster the real estate sector in Kharghar and its surrounding areas due to the improved connectivity and accessibility to Mumbai. - Sureshbhai Thakkar, Founder of SV Group (CREDAI BANM Committee Member)

The completion of the Kharghar-Turbhe Link Road (KTLR) project is expected to have a significant impact on the real estate sector in the area. According to a report by Colliers, the residential market in Navi Mumbai is expected to see a demand increase of around 20% by 2025, with the developments in Upper Kharghar, Talegaon, and the surrounding areas. Kharghar, Panel, and Belapur are vital localities of Navi Mumbai that have been witnessing scaling growth, owing to their affordability, scenic landscapes, and proximity to key business and social hubs of the city. - Uday Thakkar, Founding partner AR LLP, CREDAI MCHI, Thane

Apart from connecting the two areas of Navi Mumbai, KTLR will have elevated or grade-level approaches for direct connectivity between Turbhe and the proposed International Corporate Park located at Kharghar. It will help provide excellent connectivity from Mumbai, MTHL and the proposed Navi Mumbai airport. Kharghar will be a corporate hub like Bandra and property rates will definitely hike. - Mangal Kamble, President of Swach Kharghar Foundation

This project will be a big boon for the residents of Kharghar, which has been growing by leaps and bounds. Currently, with just one main entry point and two sub-entry and exit points, traffic congestion is a major issue. Particularly at the main Kharghar signal during peak hours, one is invariably stuck in traffic for no less than 20 minutes. Once the tunnel is ready, it will be a game-changer. This will help in reducing traffic and pollution. - Mangesh Ranawade, a resident of Sector 35, Kharghar

The Turbhe-Kharghar tunnel project will not serve the purpose as projected. This project will only further hamper the biodiversity and flora and fauna on the hill. Development is needed but not at the cost of nature. Just to save 15 minutes of travel time by destroying the hill is not correct. Today, traveling to Kharghar, Taloja, and beyond has become easy with the metro and the existing route. I don’t think we need such environmentally devastating projects. - Kesarinath Gharat, a native of Turbhe Gaon

The tunnel will reduce commute time. Tunnelling work does not cause damage to the hills or environment or wildlife. - Tarang Sarin, a resident of Sector 20, Kharghar