CIDCO, the City Industrial Development Corporation, is set to embark on a significant infrastructure project in Navi Mumbai. They plan to construct a coastal highway connecting Amra Marg to the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) in order to provide smooth access to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, expected to be operational by December 2024.
This ambitious project comes with a hefty price tag, estimated at over Rs 700 crore, and is projected to take 24 months to complete. The coastal highway will span approximately seven kilometers, serving as a crucial link between the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) and the new airport.
However, there are environmental concerns associated with the project. It is expected to result in the removal of 3,728 mangroves and 196 trees. The project received approval from the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) in August 2023, following earlier clearances granted by the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority.
CIDCO has assured that they will implement measures to minimize the impact on the mangrove ecosystem, including constructing the coastal road on stilts to reduce its footprint. Additionally, they plan to replant three times the number of mangroves that will be affected during construction.
The coastal highway is seen as a vital public infrastructure project for Navi Mumbai, as it will ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity to the new airport. It is designed to play a crucial role in dispersing traffic from the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link and enhancing accessibility to Navi Mumbai from the mainland.
Despite environmental concerns, CIDCO is committed to proactively implementing mitigation measures and adhering to an Environment Management Plan to protect the local coastal ecology. The project’s success hinges on balancing development with environmental preservation, ensuring a sustainable future for the region.