Mumbai commuters will face a major traffic change starting tomorrow as the Panvel exit on the Mumbai-bound carriageway of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway will be closed for the next six months. The Navi Mumbai traffic police have announced this closure due to ongoing construction of a flyover and an underpass at Kalamboli Circle. This development is expected to have a significant impact on daily commuters and transporters who frequently use this exit.
Why is the Panvel Exit Being Closed?
The closure is a necessary step to facilitate the construction of a flyover and an underpass at Kalamboli Circle, which is being developed to ease congestion in the long run. The project aims to improve connectivity and traffic flow, reducing bottlenecks that have historically plagued the area. While the construction is underway, authorities have deemed it unsafe for vehicles to use the exit, necessitating the temporary restriction.
Who Will Be Affected?
The Panvel exit is a crucial junction for motorists traveling towards Panvel, Mumbra, JNPT (Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust), Taloja, Kalyan, and Shilphata. Thousands of vehicles, including passenger cars, buses, and transport trucks, use this exit daily. The closure will primarily impact:
- Commuters traveling between Mumbai and Panvel.
- Transporters heading to JNPT and industrial zones like Taloja.
- Residents of Panvel and Navi Mumbai who rely on this route.
- Buses and public transport services operating on this stretch.
Alternative Routes for Commuters
To manage the disruption, the Navi Mumbai traffic police have suggested the following alternative routes for motorists traveling towards Panvel and surrounding areas:
- For Panvel, Goa, and JNPT-bound vehicles:
- Vehicles can take the Kalamboli exit, proceed to the Mumbra-Panvel Highway (NH-48), and continue towards their destination.
- Alternatively, drivers can exit at Kharghar and take the Uran-Panvel Road to reach their desired location.
- For those heading to Taloja and Kalyan:
- The recommended route is via NH-48 and Taloja MIDC Road, ensuring smooth access without bottlenecks.
- For commuters heading to Shilphata:
- Motorists can take the Thane-Belapur Road and merge onto Shilphata Road from Rabale or Turbhe.
These alternative routes have been designated to minimize congestion, and motorists are advised to plan their travel accordingly.
Impact on Traffic and Commuters
The temporary closure of the Panvel exit is expected to cause an increase in travel time due to rerouted traffic. Peak-hour congestion is anticipated at major junctions like Kalamboli, Kharghar, and Mumbra. Transporters and logistics operators using the Mumbai-Pune corridor should factor in additional time for deliveries and scheduling.
Authorities have assured that traffic management personnel will be deployed at critical points to guide motorists and ease bottlenecks. Signboards and advisories will also be placed along the expressway to alert drivers about the changes.
Precautions and Advisory for Commuters
- Start your journey early to compensate for potential delays.
- Use navigation apps like Google Maps for real-time traffic updates and route adjustments.
- Follow temporary traffic signboards placed by the authorities.
- Avoid peak hours if possible to prevent getting stuck in congestion.
Expected Completion and Future Benefits
The flyover and underpass construction at Kalamboli Circle is expected to be completed within six months, after which the Panvel exit will be reopened. Once finished, the new infrastructure is expected to:
- Improve traffic flow by reducing congestion at Kalamboli.
- Enhance connectivity to key industrial and commercial zones.
- Reduce travel time for daily commuters and transporters.
While the six-month closure of the Panvel exit on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway will pose temporary inconvenience, the long-term benefits of better traffic management and smoother connectivity outweigh the short-term disruptions. Commuters are advised to stay informed about the suggested alternative routes and adjust their travel plans accordingly. Authorities are working to ensure minimal disruption, and once the construction is completed, motorists can expect a much-improved commuting experience.
Source: IndianEXPRESS
