Thane to Navi Mumbai Airport in Just 30 Minutes
Mumbai, March 31, 2025 – With the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) set to open soon, the government is fast-tracking key infrastructure projects to improve access to the upcoming aviation hub. One of the most significant developments is a 26-km expressway that will connect Thane directly to NMIA, cutting travel time from over an hour to just 30-40 minutes.
Currently, commuters traveling from Thane to the new airport face heavy congestion on Thane-Belapur Road and Palm Beach Road, making the journey tedious. The proposed elevated expressway, planned by CIDCO and MMRDA, aims to provide a smoother, faster, and traffic-free route for passengers and cargo vehicles.
Faster, Smoother Commute for Thane Residents
The new expressway will start at Patni Chowk in Thane and run parallel to the existing Thane-Belapur Road for 17 km before extending another 9 km on a double-decker elevated stretch from Vashi to NMIA. This design ensures uninterrupted travel, bypassing traffic signals and bottlenecks.
“This expressway will be a major relief for Thane residents, drastically reducing travel time to the airport,” said a senior CIDCO official. “It will also ease pressure on the already overloaded Thane-Belapur Road.”
Environmental and Regulatory Challenges
While the first phase (Thane to Vashi) is relatively straightforward, the second phase (Vashi to NMIA) faces hurdles due to its path through eco-sensitive mangrove zones and coastal regulation areas. Authorities must secure multiple environmental clearances before construction can begin.
The project, estimated to cost ₹8,000 crore, is expected to take 3-4 years to complete, depending on approvals and land acquisition. “We are working closely with environmental agencies to ensure compliance while minimizing delays,” the official added.
Additional Infrastructure Boost for NMIA
Alongside the expressway, CIDCO is developing new roads, bridges, and metro links to enhance airport connectivity. Recently, the forest department approved the handover of 4,859 sqm of land near Ulwe Creek for a crucial bridge that will replace an existing embankment, further improving access to NMIA.
Benefits for Commuters and Businesses
The Thane-NMIA expressway is expected to:
✔ Cut travel time by 50%, making airport commutes faster.
✔ Reduce congestion on Thane-Belapur and Palm Beach roads.
✔ Boost economic growth by improving logistics and business travel.
✔ Enhance last-mile connectivity, making NMIA a preferred choice over Mumbai’s CSMIA.
What’s Next?
With NMIA’s launch just months away, infrastructure development in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region is in full swing. The Thane-NMIA expressway is a critical piece of this puzzle, promising to transform regional connectivity.
However, timely execution remains a challenge, given the environmental and regulatory hurdles. If completed as planned, this project could revolutionize travel for millions and set a new standard for urban mobility in India.
For the latest updates on Mumbai’s infrastructure projects, stay tuned to KSC THIRD MUMBAI.
