Changing City: Airoli-Ghansoli Bridge, Palm Beach extension set to transform Navi Mumbai’s commute

What is the plan?

The bridge will help decongest traffic during peak hours in Airoli, Ghansoli and surrounding areas. It is expected to reduce travel time for commuters heading to the Navi Mumbai International Airport and Mumbai’s eastern suburbs.

The improved access will benefit residents, office-goers, and commercial zones, especially the MIDC and Mindspace IT park. The project complements the Airoli-Mulund bridge and the proposed Airoli-Katai Road, enhancing access to Kalyan, Ambernath, Badlapur, and Murbad

Features of the bridge

The Airoli-Ghansoli bridge will span a total length of 3.47 km, of which 1.9 km will be an elevated flyover passing through mangrove areas to minimise environmental impact. The bridge will create a direct route between Airoli and Ghansoli, easing the load on the heavily congested Thane-Belapur Road and Palm Beach Road. It will connect to the Sion-Panvel Expressway and terminate at Varista Junction, offering a parallel route to critical arterial roads in the region.

Project cost

The total estimated cost of the Airoli-Ghansoli bridge project is ₹540 crore. Of this, the NMMC has allocated ₹372 crore in its 2023–24 budget. CIDCO is co-funding the project as part of its long-term development strategy. The redesigned project, which includes a flyover to avoid ecological damage, follows CIDCO’s earlier plan that stalled due to environmental constraints in the mangrove stretch.

Current status

The construction work for the bridge commenced in February this year. According to NMMC officials, the bridge is expected to be completed by September 2026. They have instructed the contractors to finish the project work within the given timeline.

Administration speaks

“The Airoli-Ghansoli bridge marks a pivotal shift in Navi Mumbai’s transit landscape, it’s not just about easing traffic but about unlocking growth and connectivity across the region. Along with the Palm Beach Road extension, the bridge will redefine the commuter experience. The construction has begun already, is progressing steadily, and we are confident of meeting the September 2026 deadline,” said a senior NMMC official.