The much-awaited expansion of Kalamboli Circle has received the green light with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, approving an expenditure of Rs.770.49 crore for the project. This significant infrastructure upgrade, spanning 15.53 km, is expected to permanently resolve the persistent traffic congestion at Kalamboli Junction, one of the busiest intersections in the region.

The approval comes after persistent follow-ups and demands made by MLA Prashant Thakur and MLA Mahesh Baldi, who have been instrumental in bringing the project to fruition. Kalamboli Circle, a crucial link connecting the highways from Mumbai, Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli, Panvel, Uran, and Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT), is notorious for its traffic jams due to the heavy flow of container trucks and passenger vehicles. The congestion at this junction not only causes significant delays but also leads to substantial fuel wastage.

The Kalamboli Circle serves as a vital junction for both container and passenger traffic, especially with vehicles from Panvel-Uran heading towards JNPT. The constant stream of vehicles from multiple directions results in round-the-clock congestion, with the traffic police often struggling to maintain a smooth flow. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, MLA Prashant Thakur and MLA Mahesh Baldi took the matter up with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, advocating for a solution that would relieve commuters from the daily gridlock.

In response, several stakeholder meetings were held to devise a comprehensive plan. Under the guidance of Nitin Gadkari, a strategy was developed to introduce significant changes at the Kalamboli Junction, aiming to decongest the area. With the approval of Rs.770.49 crore for the project, the tender process will soon commence, and the construction work will follow shortly thereafter.

The expansion of Kalamboli Circle is expected to have a far-reaching impact, saving both time and fuel for drivers while improving traffic conditions across the region. The project is especially timely given the ongoing development around Navi Mumbai International Airport, which is set to commence operations soon. With the anticipated reduction in air traffic at the new airport, the focus is now on ensuring that road congestion does not worsen.

The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), CIDCO, and the National Highway Development Authority have already begun developing road infrastructure surrounding the airport. As part of this initiative, four packages have been completed, with package five including the construction of a circular island at Kalamboli Circle and an exit point from the airport.

An international consultant has been appointed to oversee the development, ensuring that the project meets global standards. 

The approval of this expansion project is seen as a major victory for the region, and both MLA Prashant Thakur and MLA Mahesh Baldi have expressed their gratitude to Nitin Gadkari for his support in moving the project forward. “Once completed, the upgraded Kalamboli Circle will not only ease traffic congestion but also play a key role in improving the overall connectivity of the region”, stressed MLA Prashant Thakur.