Travelling from Thane to Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) could become significantly faster with a proposed 25-km elevated corridor. The City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) has invited tenders for the six-lane project, which aims to reduce the journey from more than 90 minutes to just over 30 minutes.
The project is estimated to cost Rs 6,027.58 crore and will be developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, with toll collection planned as the funding mechanism.
25-Km Corridor to Connect Thane Directly With NMIA
The proposed 25,287-km corridor will start near Airoli Knowledge Park, at the Patni end of the under-construction Kopri-Patni Creek Bridge, and extend to Navi Mumbai International Airport in Ulwe.
The route will pass through Airoli, Ghansoli, Kopar Khairane, Vashi and Ulwe. Much of the elevated stretch is planned above the existing Airoli-Ghansoli Link Road and Palm Beach Road.
The first connection will be provided through the 1.4-km Kopri-Patni Creek Bridge, which is being constructed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).
Connectivity With Major Highways and Roads
The corridor is expected to connect with several important routes across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. These include the Mumbai-Satara Highway (NH-48), Airoli-Katai Naka corridor, Mulund-Airoli Road, Ghatkopar-Kopar Khairane Link Road and Thane Creek Bridge.
Apart from providing faster airport access, the project is expected to reduce traffic pressure on Palm Beach Road and Thane-Belapur Road. Diverting airport-bound vehicles to the elevated corridor could help ease congestion on these busy routes.
The plan also includes seven bus bays along the corridor, offering another public transport option for passengers travelling towards the airport.
CIDCO Invites Tenders, Construction Expected to Take Three Years
The project had remained in the approval stage for several months before CIDCO invited tenders in November 2026. The authority is expected to finalise a contractor by early 2027, after which construction is scheduled to begin.
The estimated completion period is three years. This means the proposed improvement in travel time will depend on the contractor selection process, construction progress and timely completion of the corridor.
The project comes as Navi Mumbai International Airport, which began operations in December 2025, continues to require stronger road connectivity with neighbouring parts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
A Major Connectivity Boost for Navi Mumbai Airport
The Thane-NMIA corridor is expected to improve access to the airport for residents and travellers from Thane and surrounding areas. Its proposed connections with major highways and arterial roads could also benefit commuters who do not travel to the airport.
However, the 30-minute journey time remains a project target rather than an existing travel option. Commuters will have to wait for construction and commissioning before the promised reduction in travel time becomes a reality.
Summary
CIDCO has invited tenders for a 25.287-km, six-lane elevated corridor connecting Thane with Navi Mumbai International Airport. Estimated at Rs 6,027.58 crore, the toll-funded PPP project aims to cut travel time from over 90 minutes to just above 30 minutes. Construction is expected to take three years after contractor selection.