Navi Mumbai: Connector between Palm Beach Road and Sion-Panvel Highway opens in Vashi, cuts travel time by 15 minutes

Minister Ganesh Naik felicitates the first rider on the connector, a driver with a disability, in Vashi on Thursday. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

In a major boost to intra-city connectivity, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) on Thursday inaugurated a crucial arm flyover connecting Palm Beach Road to the Sion-Panvel Highway in Vashi.

The flyover, located at Sector 17, was inaugurated by Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik in the presence of Mayor Sujata Patil and other civic officials.

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Direct route to Pune, less detour

The 290-metre-long and 6.5-metre-wide flyover has been constructed at a cost of Rs 18.32 crore. It provides a direct link for motorists travelling from Palm Beach Road towards the Sion-Panvel Highway, a key route for Pune-bound traffic.

Until now, commuters had to take a longer detour via Sanpada, often adding 10-15 minutes to their journey.

Relief for daily commuters

Officials said the new arm is expected to significantly reduce travel time, fuel consumption, and congestion at key junctions near Vashi.

Speaking at the inauguration, Naik termed the project a "practical solution" to existing gaps in Navi Mumbai's road planning and praised the officials involved in conceptualising and executing the project.

First ride by rider with disability

In a symbolic gesture, the first ride on the flyover was undertaken by a rider with disability, Vaibhav Thakur, who was felicitated at the event.

Engineers and team felicitated

NMMC also honoured engineers and project stakeholders, including City Engineer Shirish Aradwad and the team overseeing the flyover's construction.

Big boost to traffic planning

Civic officials believe the flyover will play a key role in streamlining traffic movement in Vashi and improving overall urban mobility in Navi Mumbai.