The central government has approved the construction of a 6-lane access-controlled greenfield national highway connecting JNPT to Chouk (29.219 km) in Maharashtra. The project, to be developed under the build, operate, and transfer (BOT) mode, involves an investment of Rs 4,500.62 crore. The proposed highway will not only improve logistics and unlock vast real estate potential.

At present, it takes nearly 2-3 hours for vehicles to move from JNPT to the arterial Golden Quadrilateral (GQ) section of NH-48 and Mumbai - Pune Expressway. Once the Navi Mumbai Airport will be operational in 2025, the need for direct infrastructure is likely to increase further. That is when the proposed national highway would come to help. It will help in improving the logistic efficiency of connecting JNPA port and Navi Mumbai International Airport.

“Accordingly, this project is designed to address these connectivity requirements and for improving the logistic efficiency of connecting JNPA port and Navi Mumbai International Airport,” said an official.

The project alignment starts at JNPA port (NH 348) (Pagote village) and ends at Mumbai-Pune Highway (NH-48) while also linking Mumbai Pune Expressway and Mumbai Goa National Highway (NH-66). Two tunnels passing through the Sahayadris are provided for ease of movement for commercial vehicles instead of a ghat section in hilly terrain ensuring high speed and ease in movement for large container trucks.

Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) at Navi Mumbai is a premier container handling Port in India accounting for around 50 per cent of the total containerised cargo volume, across the major ports of India.

The project approved on March 19 will open new avenues of growth, development and prosperity in developing regions in and around Navi Mumbai and Pune.

Experts predict a rise in demand for housing, office spaces, and logistics parks along this corridor, positioning Navi Mumbai and Pune as key real estate investment hotspots.

Simultaneously, the new upgraded road network will bolster tourism, making it easier for visitors to explore the cultural and natural attractions surrounding these cities. Scenic destinations and heritage sites, once hindered by poor connectivity, will become more accessible, driving revenue for local businesses and promoting the region as a tourist hub.