The Maharashtra cabinet recently cleared a 25-km elevated road connecting Thane to Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). The approvals were reportedly given during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief
Minister Devendra Fadnavis. In the meeting, extensions to existing Pune and Nagpur Metro lines, new stations in Pune, and an international business hub in Nagpur were also cleared. Several policies related to energy and tribal development were also passed.
The Thane-Navi Mumbai Airport Elevated Road
A 25-km, six-lane elevated road will connect Thane and Mira-Bhayander to the upcoming NMIA.
Built at Rs 6,430 crore by City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited (CIDCO), this road will feature six interchanges and is expected to cut travel time from 90 minutes to just 30 minutes, offering faster access to the airport and reducing congestion on existing routes, News18 had reported.
The Atal Setu
The Atal Setu, also known as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), is a major infrastructure project connecting Mumbai to Navi Mumbai by spanning across the Mumbai Harbour. The route starts from Sewri in South Mumbai and stretches eastward over the sea to Nhava in Navi Mumbai, covering approximately 22 kilometers.
This sea bridge significantly reduces travel time between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, easing congestion on the existing Vashi and Airoli bridges. From Nhava, travellers can access major parts of Navi Mumbai, including the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), via connecting roads and highways.
The MTHL forms a vital link, facilitating smoother traffic flow and promoting economic development by improving connectivity between Mumbai’s island city and the rapidly growing satellite city of Navi Mumbai.
Atal Setu: Toll rate
As of January 2025, the Maharashtra government has maintained a concessional toll rate of Rs 250 for four-wheelers (cars and SUVs) on the Atal Setu. This rate is applicable for both one-way and return journeys.
Return Journey: If you plan to return on the same day, the toll for the return leg is Rs 125, provided the return is completed within a specified time window (usually 12 hours).
Electric Vehicles (EVs): EVs, including electric cars and buses, are exempt from toll charges on the Atal Setu for the next five years, as part of Maharashtra’s sustainable transport initiative.
Thane-NMIA elevated road: Toll rate
A new elevated road project connecting Thane to NMIA has been approved, aiming to reduce travel time to approximately 30 minutes. The one-way toll for this elevated road is set at Rs 365, according to Lokmat Times.
With NMIA projected to handle up to 2 million passengers annually in its initial phase and an estimated 9 million by 2038, the demand for better connectivity is only set to rise. Officials argue that saving time and easing traffic will benefit lakhs of commuters in the long run, even if it comes at a higher cost.
Apart from helping travellers, the elevated road is expected to support the economic development of the surrounding regions. Better airport access is likely to attract businesses, boost real estate, and create new opportunities for job growth.
