The City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Ltd (CIDCO) has proposed a 26-kilometre elevated roadway connecting Thane to the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) to alleviate traffic congestion and improve accessibility. This initiative follows the successful completion of test flights at NMIA, with full-scale flight operations scheduled to begin in June. Enhancing Connectivity While the Atal Setu has already strengthened links between Mumbai and NMIA, CIDCO’s new corridor will directly connect Thane to the airport. Currently, commuters rely on the Thane-Belapur Road, the Eastern Express Highway, and Palm Beach Road, all of which face heavy congestion. The planned corridor aims to provide a seamless and faster alternative. A detailed project report is being prepared, and a financial consultant is being identified to oversee funding and execution. Proposed Route Digha to Vashi (17 km): The elevated road will start at Dhan Nirankari Chowk near Patni Maidan in Digha and run parallel to Thane-Belapur Road, terminating at Palm Beach Road in Vashi. Vashi to NMIA (9 km): A double-decker elevated road will extend from Palm Beach Road to the airport. Project Challenges and Estimated Cost The corridor is expected to cost approximately ?8,000 crore. While the first phase, from Digha to Vashi, faces fewer regulatory challenges, the second phase—crossing mangrove areas and coastal regulation zones—requires multiple environmental clearances. Land acquisition and government approvals will also play a crucial role in determining the project’s timeline. Broader Infrastructure Development The Thane-NMIA corridor is part of CIDCO’s larger plan to enhance airport connectivity through multiple roads and bridges. A recent key development in this direction was the Maharashtra Forest Department’s approval to transfer 4,859 square meters of land near Ulwe and Sonkhar creeks. This land will facilitate the construction of a new bridge, further improving NMIA’s accessibility