A major road connectivity project linking Mumbai’s Atal Setu with the Mumbai-Pune Expressway has achieved 67% physical progress, bringing commuters closer to a faster route between South Mumbai and Pune.
The 7.35-km connector is being developed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). The six-lane elevated corridor is expected to reduce travel time by approximately 60 to 90 minutes once operational, while easing congestion around Panvel.
The project is designed to create a direct connection between the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, popularly known as Atal Setu, and the Mumbai-Pune Expressway through the Chirle and Palaspe sections.
Elevated Corridor to Bypass Panvel Traffic
One of the biggest objectives of the project is to bypass Panvel Main Junction, where traffic from several major highways converges.
Currently, motorists travelling towards Pune and Goa from Atal Setu have to navigate the existing road network around Panvel. The new elevated connector will provide an alternative route, allowing vehicles to reach the Mumbai-Pune Expressway without depending on the congested junction.
An important engineering feature is its third-level elevated configuration, which will be constructed above existing roads and bridges. This arrangement is intended to allow uninterrupted vehicle movement while making use of the existing road corridor.
Construction Progress Across Chirle and Palaspe
Construction is progressing across two major sections of the project.
At Chirle, foundation work has been completed, while 153 of the 155 planned piers have been constructed. Deck slab work has reached 49%, covering 117 of the 240 spans. Railway overbridge construction is also progressing.
At Palaspe, pile-group foundations are 71% complete, with 15 of the 21 groups constructed. Pier construction has reached 38%, while girder casting has been completed.
The project has achieved substantial progress in foundation, pier, girder and associated infrastructure works across both sections.
Improved Connectivity to Navi Mumbai Airport and JNPA
The connector is expected to provide better road access to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, strengthening connectivity between Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and surrounding commercial areas.
It will also improve access towards Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), an important logistics and cargo hub.
The project is expected to strengthen connections with NH-48 and NH-348, supporting passenger and freight movement. It will also improve onward connectivity towards Goa and other destinations.
When Will the Connector Open?
MMRDA had previously set February 2027 as the target for completing the project. However, the latest 67% progress update does not announce a revised completion date or confirm the opening schedule.
The project has an administratively sanctioned cost of Rs 1,420 crore and forms part of MMRDA’s broader vision of improving regional mobility through integrated expressways, tunnels, metro corridors and strategic road links.
Once operational, the connector is expected to extend the connectivity benefits of Atal Setu towards Pune, Goa and major industrial and logistics destinations.
Summary
The 7.35-km Atal Setu-Mumbai-Pune Expressway connector has achieved 67% completion. The six-lane elevated corridor is expected to reduce South Mumbai-Pune travel time by 60 to 90 minutes by bypassing Panvel Main Junction. It will also improve connectivity to Navi Mumbai International Airport, JNPA, NH-48, NH-348 and routes towards Goa. MMRDA had earlier targeted February 2027 for completion.
