On November 25, 2020, the construction of the second tunnel of the Airoli-Katai highway in India began. The second tunnel on the expressway consists of a 1.68-kilometer-long double tunnel and is a major part of the project on the Thane-Belapur elevated route, which will help reduce commuters’ travel time.

The Airoli-Katai highway is composed of two tunnels, each with 3 lanes (6 lanes in total). The project will connect cities such as Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Kalyan-Dombivli. Work on the second tunnel of this highway began on November 25. The opening ceremony was presided over by Eknath Shinde, Minister of Urban Development and Public Works of the State Government.

“This new route will shorten the travel time between Airair and Dombivli to only 15 minutes and will alleviate the traffic problems of Shirfa Tower. The Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA) has undertaken the construction of the project. In Katai Naka The construction of the previous Y-junction bridge is also being carried out at the same time. In addition, the bidding process for the Shilphata flyover will be completed soon." Shinde said during the tunnel construction process.

Shinde added: "The work on the project is expected to be completed in the next two and a half years." The project is carried out in three phases. The second phase includes the overpass near Dombivli. Shilphata’s flyovers and underpasses will benefit by reducing the traffic roar of motorists commuting from Dombivli, Kalyan and Badlapur.

He said: "The two tunnels include a total of six traffic lanes and will also include refuge lanes for highway maintenance." To ensure safety, exhaust fans, closed-circuit televisions and fire brigade will also be equipped.Editor/Huang Lijun