NAVI MUMBAI: Accessing the Sion-Panvel highway directly from Palm Beach Road is set to get easier and faster from next year, with Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) set to start work on an arm bridge from Vashi’s sector 17 to connect the highway.
Currently, motorists from Kopar Khairane, Turbhe, Kopri and Vashi have to either take the busy Vashi main road or the congested APMC Road to head towards Panvel.
The construction work will start around December 15 and is estimated to be completed in nine months. The project will cost ₹11.5 crore.
The arm bridge, according to NMMC chief engineer Sanjay Desai will cut short the travel time for motorists. “To reduce the congestion on the Vashi and Turbhe roads and ensure faster access for motorists, we have planned this project. The construction of this bridge will cost ₹11.5 crore,” said Desai.
Tender process for the project has been completed and the work order is issued as well.
“We have received the requisite MCZMA permission for the project,” added Desai and explained, “We have been asked not to use box culvert but pier systems, to ensure free flow of the creek water, as there will be pillars holding the bridge now. We are changing the plans accordingly. We are also getting the IIT proof checking done for the project plan,” added desai.
“We will ensure that the major foundation work is done before the onset of the monsoon and the upper slabs can be installed then,” Desai said.
“This link should have been in place when Palm Beach Road was constructed. Better late than never. I hope the project is completed on time,” said Sachin Adsul, 52, a Vashi resident.