Construction work has commenced on the second tunnel of Airoli-Katai freeway on 24 December 2020.
The freeway consisting 1.68 km long twin tunnels is a major part of the project on Thane-Belapur elevated route, which will help reduce travel time for commuters.
The freeway consists of two tunnels, each with three lanes. The project will connect Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Kalyan-Dombivli.
The new route will ease traffic caused at Shilphata by reducing travel time between Airoli to Dombivli to only 15 minutes.
The construction work of the project undertaken by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is on speed track.
The construction work of the Y-junction bridge ahead of the Katai Naka is also being undertaken simultaneously. Moreover, the tender process of the Shilphata flyover will soon be completed.
The project has been carried in three phases. The second phase consists of a flyover near Dombivli. The flyover and underpass at Shilphata will benefit by reducing traffic for motorists commuting from Dombivli, Kalyan and Badlapur.
The work on the project is expected to complete in the next two-and-a-half years.
The twin tunnels of the freeway consisting of six lanes will also comprise refuge lanes for maintenance of the freeway. To ensure safety of travellers, it will also consist of exhaust fans, CCTVs and fire brigade team.