Mumbai: New 14-Lane Road Near Atal Setu In Works, To Reduce Traffic On Mumbai-Pune Expressway By 50 Per Cent

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced plans for a 14-lane road near the Atal Setu sea bridge that will significantly reduce congestion on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.

Speaking at an alumni event organised by COEP Technological University, Gadkari stated that the new road would connect to Pune via a ring road, and extend onwards to Bengaluru, easing traffic on the busy expressway by 50 per cent.

"There is huge traffic on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. A 14-lane road will be built near Atal Setu, which will further connect to Pune via a ring road and then to Bengaluru. This road will bring down traffic on the expressway by 50 per cent," Gadkari said, reports Deccan Herald.

Atal Setu: India’s Longest Sea Bridge

The Atal Setu, India's longest sea bridge includes constructing a six-lane viaduct spanning Mumbai Bay, consisting of 0.5 km of land viaduct at Sewri, 16.3 km over sea and creek, and 4.9 km on the Navi Mumbai side.

Starting from Messant Road in Sewri, connecting with the Eastern Freeway, it concludes at Shivaji Nagar in Navi Mumbai, offering a seamless 20-minute commute without traffic signals.

This fully controlled-access highway features four interchanges, toll collection facilities, and necessary infrastructure for safe and efficient operation, conforming to expressway standards with a design speed of 100 km per hour.

Described as a transformative initiative, its successful implementation has the potential to elevate the state's gross domestic product (GDP) by 5 per cent and contribute to 1 per cent increase in the national GDP, as highlighted by Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, Commissioner of MMRDA.