Kharghar–Turbhe Tunnel Project (2025): Route Map, Status, Timeline, Benefits ; Latest Updates
Navi Mumbai’s game-changing tunnel: The Kharghar–Turbhe Tunnel Link Road (KTLR) is a major infrastructure project in Navi Mumbai designed to drastically cut travel time and improve connectivity. Work on this ₹2,099 crore project has begun, aiming to reduce the current 40-minute drive between Turbhe and Kharghar to just about 10 minutes. Beyond being an engineering feat through scenic hills, the tunnel is stirring both excitement for easier commutes and concern for the environment – making it one of the most talked-about developments in the city.
In this comprehensive overview, we’ll explore what the Kharghar-Turbhe Tunnel Project is, its exact route and map, the timeline and status (2025), why it’s important for Navi Mumbai, environmental and community concerns raised, its impact on real estate and development, how travel will change before vs after the tunnel, the latest news updates, and frequently asked questions.
By the end, you’ll understand why this tunnel is seen as a transformative link in Navi Mumbai’s growth story – and how it fits into the broader picture of Smart City Projects connecting nodes like Vashi, Kharghar, Panvel, and emerging areas like Ulwe.
Kharghar–Turbhe Tunnel Map & Route
Route overview: The KTLR begins on the eastern side of Navi Mumbai near Turbhe, just off the Sion–Panvel Highway by Jui Nagar railway station, and emerges in Kharghar near the famous Central Park. In practical terms, if you were to trace it on a map, the road starts around Turbhe Sector 21 (opposite Juinagar Station) and heads south-west parallel to the Sion-Panvel expressway for a short distance before diving into a tunnel through the Parsik hill range. After approximately 1.7–1.8 km underground, it comes out on the Kharghar side of the hills and continues on an elevated viaduct. The terminus is at a 30-meter wide road near Central Park in Kharghar, around the Sector 34/35 area, where it connects into the local road network.
- Twin tunnels under Kharghar Hills: There will be two side-by-side tunnel tubes (each carrying one-way traffic) of roughly 1.8 km length boring through the Parsik hills. These will essentially run beneath the picturesque Pandavkada waterfall area. The tunnel’s Kharghar portal (exit) is near Central Park, which is why the road dramatically reduces the need to circle around the hill via other roads.
- Extensions and connectors: As part of the project, additional connectors improve local access. A 1.5 km elevated road will branch off near Central Park to link directly to the Taloja Central Jail road (this effectively extends the corridor further east toward the industrial Taloja MIDC area). Also, a short subway (underpass) is planned to connect Central Park to the proposed International Corporate Park (ICP) in Kharghar – an upcoming commercial hub often dubbed Navi Mumbai’s “BKC 2”. These add-ons ensure the tunnel road feeds into major nodes of future development.
Timeline & Project Status (2025)
On track for a 2028 opening: The Kharghar–Turbhe Tunnel Link Road is currently under construction, with officials targeting completion by September 2028. Here’s a brief timeline of the project’s journey and the status as of 2025:
- Initial Planning (Pre-2022): The concept of a Kharghar–Turbhe Tunnel link road has been discussed for years as Navi Mumbai expanded. MSRDC prepared a detailed project report (DPR) proposing the tunnel and elevated road, but the project stalled over funding disagreements between agencies. Originally, the cost was pegged around ₹1,282 crore in 2022 when CIDCO decided to take it up solo after state agencies like MIDC declined to share costs. This early estimate was for a 3+3 lane road (expandable to 4+4 lanes) including the tunnel.
- CIDCO Approval & Cost Revisions: CIDCO’s board gave the green light in April 2022 to implement the project and seek necessary government approvals. Over 2022–2023, the project scope and costs were revised. By late 2023, the sanctioned cost stood higher – some sources even mentioned an approval at ₹3,166 crore including all components – though the main construction contract came in at about ₹2,099 crore. (The discrepancy might be due to additional works or just initial overestimation; official contract value is ~₹2,100 crore.)
- Contract Award and Launch (Late 2023 – Early 2024): After a bidding process, Rithwik Projects Pvt. Ltd. won the contract to build the tunnel road in October 2023. The Letter of Award for design and construction was issued by February 2024. A formal groundbreaking was reportedly aligned with Dussehra 2023 by CIDCO and the contractor, signaling the start of preliminary works (such as surveys, geotechnical investigations, and setting up site offices).
- Construction Progress (2024–2025): By December 2024, CIDCO announced that work had commenced on-site. As of 2025, the project is in early construction stage – this includes land clearing, shifting utilities, building temporary service roads, and beginning the tunnel portal excavations. Residents have observed equipment being mobilized and some controlled blasting in the hills to carve out the tunnel entrance. CIDCO’s Vice-Chairman conducted site reviews in April 2025 to push for timely progress, indicating that the project is a high priority. Officials consistently state that “all regulatory protocols are being followed” and that the KTLR is on track for completion by late 2028.
- Current Status (mid-2025): The tunnel bring/drilling is expected to start in earnest after the monsoons, once the portal excavations are done. Pillars for the elevated sections are likely under construction or in tendering for girders. No major delays have been reported yet, but continuous monitoring is on – especially due to some local controversies (detailed in the Environment section). In parallel, CIDCO is coordinating with other agencies to ensure the new road integrates smoothly with the existing highways and upcoming developments like the corporate park and the Navi Mumbai International Airport access roads.
Looking ahead, if all goes well, the tunnel link road would open to traffic in late 2028. There is optimism that it could even finish a bit earlier given its importance – but as of now, 2028 is the official deadline. The journey from proposal to reality has taken time (and a few cost jumps), but 2024 marked the turning point when physical work finally kicked off.
Transparency note: It’s worth noting that while CIDCO claims the project obtained necessary clearances, an RTI query in 2025 revealed that the state Environment department did not have record of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the tunnel road. This suggests either the clearance process is still underway or was perhaps handled at the central level; we discuss this more under “Environmental Concerns.” For the purpose of timeline, however, CIDCO is moving forward aggressively, aiming to deliver the tunnel by the stipulated timeline.
While not officially marked on government maps. It covers a mix of CIDCO-developed sectors and village-administered zones that are rapidly urbanizing due to upcoming infrastructure like the Navi Mumbai Metro and Airport.
On track for a 2028 opening: The Kharghar–Turbhe Tunnel Link Road is currently under construction, with officials targeting completion by September 2028. Here’s a brief timeline of the project’s journey and the status as of 2025:
- Initial Planning (Pre-2022): The concept of a Kharghar–Turbhe Tunnel link road has been discussed for years as Navi Mumbai expanded. MSRDC prepared a detailed project report (DPR) proposing the tunnel and elevated road, but the project stalled over funding disagreements between agencies. Originally, the cost was pegged around ₹1,282 crore in 2022 when CIDCO decided to take it up solo after state agencies like MIDC declined to share costs. This early estimate was for a 3+3 lane road (expandable to 4+4 lanes) including the tunnel.
- CIDCO Approval & Cost Revisions: CIDCO’s board gave the green light in April 2022 to implement the project and seek necessary government approvals. Over 2022–2023, the project scope and costs were revised. By late 2023, the sanctioned cost stood higher – some sources even mentioned an approval at ₹3,166 crore including all components – though the main construction contract came in at about ₹2,099 crore. (The discrepancy might be due to additional works or just initial overestimation; official contract value is ~₹2,100 crore.)
- Contract Award and Launch (Late 2023 – Early 2024): After a bidding process, Rithwik Projects Pvt. Ltd. won the contract to build the tunnel road in October 2023. The Letter of Award for design and construction was issued by February 2024. A formal groundbreaking was reportedly aligned with Dussehra 2023 by CIDCO and the contractor, signaling the start of preliminary works (such as surveys, geotechnical investigations, and setting up site offices).
- Construction Progress (2024–2025): By December 2024, CIDCO announced that work had commenced on-site. As of 2025, the project is in early construction stage – this includes land clearing, shifting utilities, building temporary service roads, and beginning the tunnel portal excavations. Residents have observed equipment being mobilized and some controlled blasting in the hills to carve out the tunnel entrance. CIDCO’s Vice-Chairman conducted site reviews in April 2025 to push for timely progress, indicating that the project is a high priority. Officials consistently state that “all regulatory protocols are being followed” and that the KTLR is on track for completion by late 2028.
- Current Status (mid-2025): The tunnel bring/drilling is expected to start in earnest after the monsoons, once the portal excavations are done. Pillars for the elevated sections are likely under construction or in tendering for girders. No major delays have been reported yet, but continuous monitoring is on – especially due to some local controversies (detailed in the Environment section). In parallel, CIDCO is coordinating with other agencies to ensure the new road integrates smoothly with the existing highways and upcoming developments like the corporate park and the Navi Mumbai International Airport access roads.
Looking ahead, if all goes well, the tunnel link road would open to traffic in late 2028. There is optimism that it could even finish a bit earlier given its importance – but as of now, 2028 is the official deadline. The journey from proposal to reality has taken time (and a few cost jumps), but 2024 marked the turning point when physical work finally kicked off.
Transparency note: It’s worth noting that while CIDCO claims the project obtained necessary clearances, an RTI query in 2025 revealed that the state Environment department did not have record of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the tunnel road. This suggests either the clearance process is still underway or was perhaps handled at the central level; we discuss this more under “Environmental Concerns.” For the purpose of timeline, however, CIDCO is moving forward aggressively, aiming to deliver the tunnel by the stipulated timeline.
While not officially marked on government maps. It covers a mix of CIDCO-developed sectors and village-administered zones that are rapidly urbanizing due to upcoming infrastructure like the Navi Mumbai Metro and Airport.
Kharghar–Turbhe Tunnel Road Project Cost & Funding
The Kharghar–Turbhe Tunnel Road Project cost is estimated at around ₹2,099 crore, with CIDCO funding the entire project. This makes it one of Navi Mumbai’s most ambitious and expensive road infrastructure projects, second only to mega-projects like the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL).
When first proposed in 2022, the tunnel link road was estimated at about ₹1,282 crore. However, as designs were finalized and the scope expanded to include longer elevated roads and additional connectors, the cost was revised upward. In some reports, the sanctioned budget was mentioned as high as ₹3,166 crore, which may have included ancillary works like land development, compensation, and extensions.
The final construction contract was awarded in late 2023 to Rithwik Projects Pvt. Ltd. for approximately ₹2,099 crore. This amount covers the design and execution of the twin tunnels, 3.4 km of elevated roads, and associated works.
Importantly, the funding responsibility rests entirely with CIDCO (City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Ltd.). While earlier proposals explored cost-sharing with other agencies like MSRDC and MIDC, they opted out. CIDCO chose to take full ownership, likely financing the project through internal funds, land sales, and state-supported loans.
For perspective, the Kharghar–Turbhe Tunnel’s cost is significant compared to other Navi Mumbai infrastructure projects.
- Navi Mumbai Metro Line-1 (Belapur–Pendhar) – approx. ₹3,000 crore.
- Navi Mumbai International Airport (Phase 1) – around ₹16,000 crore.
- Atal Setu (MTHL Sea Link) – approx. ₹17,800 crore.
This puts the tunnel project in the same league as other city-shaping investments. Its high cost reflects both the engineering challenges of boring through the Parsik hills and the strategic importance of creating a faster east–west corridor for Navi Mumbai.
Why is the Tunnel Important?
How your commute will change: To truly appreciate the KTLR’s impact, let’s paint a picture of travel before vs. after the tunnel, for a typical trip between Kharghar and Turbhe (or Vashi):
- Today’s scenario (Before): Suppose you live in Kharghar and work near Turbhe or Vashi. Right now, you likely take the Sion-Panvel Highway northwards. This means either:
15–30 minute time savings & decongesting Navi Mumbai’s arteries: The Kharghar–Turbhe tunnel link is often called a “game-changer” for Navi Mumbai’s traffic, and for good reason. Currently, traveling between Kharghar and the older nodes like Vashi/Turbhe or Thane involves long detours and choke-points. This tunnel directly addresses that:
- Drastically reduced commute times: By creating a shortcut through the hills, the tunnel will cut the Turbhe–Kharghar journey from around 30–40 minutes to roughly 10 minutes. Officials estimate about 30 minutes of time save
- Easing the Sion–Panvel Highway and alternate routes: The Sion-Panvel Highway is Navi Mumbai’s main east-west spine but is often congested, especially around CBD Belapur and Kharghar junctions. The KTLR provides an alternate east-west corridor within Navi Mumbai, drawing traffic that would otherwise crowd the highway or take the longer Palm Beach Road route via Belapur.
- Better connectivity between Navi Mumbai’s nodes: Navi Mumbai is a “twin city” composed of well-planned nodes (Vashi, Nerul, Belapur, Kharghar, etc.), but some nodes are separated by natural barriers like hills or creek. The Turbhe–Kharghar tunnel essentially punches through one such barrier, bridging North and Central Navi Mumbai with its southern nodes. Turbhe (near Vashi) is an industrial and commercial zone; Kharghar–Taloja is a growing residential and institutional hub. This tunnel provides a straighter route for those traveling between Kharghar and areas like Airoli or Ghansoli.
Linking to Major Infrastructure
- Navi Mumbai International Airport: The upcoming international airport at Ulwe (near Panvel) will be a magnet for traffic. The KTLR is expected to become one of the feeder routes to the airport from the Thane/Belapur side. In fact, officials highlight that motorists from Mumbai heading to the new airport could take the tunnel from Jui Nagar and save time. It plugs into the broader connectivity plan including the Atal Setu (the new MTHL–JNPT connector bridge over Thane Creek, informally called the Vashi creek “Atal” bridge). By linking with Atal Setu and the airport road network, the tunnel improves airport access for a wide catchment.
- International Corporate Park (ICP) in Kharghar: CIDCO is developing a huge Corporate Park in Kharghar sectors 34–37, envisioned as a commercial district akin to BKC. The tunnel road ends right beside this site, effectively giving the Corporate Park an easy link to both the Mumbai-Pune Expressway (via Kharghar) and the Thane-Belapur Road (via Turbhe). The included subway between Central Park and the ICP ensures seamless connectivity. This is expected to make the corporate park more attractive to companies, since accessibility will be greatly enhanced.
- Local benefits for Kharghar/Taloja: Once complete, the road will provide faster access to Kharghar and Taloja for people coming from Mumbai or Thane. For example, currently a Mumbai resident visiting Kharghar’s Golf Course or Central Park has to travel to Belapur and then Kharghar; with the tunnel, they can shave off distance by exiting at Turbhe. CIDCO specifically noted it gives Mumbai and Thane residents direct access to the Kharghar golf course and surrounding attractions. Similarly, the extension to Taloja will benefit industrial traffic, potentially reducing heavy vehicles on other roads.
In summary, the Kharghar–Turbhe Tunnel is important not just for shaving off minutes from a drive, but for what those minutes represent – enhanced connectivity across Navi Mumbai’s disparate nodes, opportunities for new developments, reduced traffic stress on existing roads, and integration with mega-projects like the airport. It exemplifies the city’s “build roads before traffic jams” philosophy. Residents of Kharghar eagerly anticipate no longer being “far” from the rest of Mumbai, while businesses in MIDC areas look forward to easier access to the housing zones. It’s a win-win on paper – if executed well.
Travel Before vs After Tunnel
How your commute will change: To truly appreciate the KTLR’s impact, let’s paint a picture of travel before vs. after the tunnel, for a typical trip between Kharghar and Turbhe (or Vashi):
- Today’s scenario (Before): Suppose you live in Kharghar and work near Turbhe or Vashi. Right now, you likely take the Sion-Panvel Highway northwards. This means either:
- Going westward on local roads to join the Sion-Panvel Highway at Kharghar (Central Park area), then driving north past CBD Belapur, Seawoods, Nerul, etc., and exiting at Turbhe. This route is around 20+ km and can take 30-45 minutes in traffic. Key choke points are the merger at Belapur (where traffic from Palm Beach Road converges) and the stretch near Nerul LP junction.
- Or, taking Palm Beach Road from Belapur to Vashi: Some Kharghar folks drive down to Belapur and then take the scenic Palm Beach Road along the creek up to Sanpada/Vashi. While Palm Beach Road is wide and signal-free, it’s a longer loop for those going to Turbhe and can get congested at the end near Vashi. Either way, you’re skirting around the hills, since there is no direct road through them.
- Essentially, before the tunnel, you must travel either around the northern end of the hills via Kalamboli junction (which is even longer) or around the southern end via Belapur. There is no mid-hill crossing. Thus even though Turbhe and Kharghar aren’t that far apart geographically, the route is circuitous. During peak hours or monsoon, it’s not uncommon to be stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic on the highway, stretching the commute well beyond 40 minutes.
- Post-tunnel scenario (After): Once the Kharghar–Turbhe Tunnel Road opens, the experience changes dramatically:
1. If you’re in Kharghar (say near Central Park) and need to get to Turbhe or further north, you’ll simply head to the tunnel entrance in Sector 30. A short ramp-up and you enter the tunnel, bypassing all the external traffic. In about 5 minutes, you traverse the 1.8 km tunnel under the hills and emerge near Turbhe.
2. The time savings of 20-30 minutes each way mean you could leave later and still arrive on time, or get home earlier – a big lifestyle improvement for daily commuters. It also provides a more predictable commute since a tunnel is less affected by weather and external factors (no intersections, no pedestrians, etc.). So “after” the tunnel, you won’t have to budget extra buffer time for unpredictable jams at Belapur or Nerul.
3. Another change is the reduction in travel distance. The tunnel route is the straight-line path, roughly 5.5 km long. Compare that to roughly 15 km via highway (from Kharghar exit to Turbhe) or even more if via Palm Beach – you’re easily cutting two-thirds of the distance. Less distance traveled means fuel savings as well.
4. For people traveling beyond these nodes, say Kharghar to Airoli/Mahape (on the Thane-Belapur Road), the tunnel will open a new fastest route. Instead of driving north to join the Thane-Belapur road at Turbhe (which currently involves backtracking west then north), one can essentially pop out through the tunnel right at Turbhe. It’s like a hidden shortcut revealed. Navi Mumbai’s internal areas become more tightly knit; Kharghar to Airoli might take only ~20-25 minutes via tunnel and Thane-Belapur Road, transforming what used to be a long haul.
5. Similarly, airport connectivity: Post-2028, someone in Vashi or Turbhe heading to the Navi Mumbai Airport in Ulwe could take the tunnel to Kharghar and then the planned Coastal Road towards the airport. Or vice versa – a Kharghar resident catching a flight from CSIA in Santacruz could shave off time by taking the tunnel to Vashi and then the freeway/MTHL towards Mumbai. These indirect benefits mean overall travel patterns in the city will adjust.
In effect, after the tunnel opens, Kharghar will feel as if it moved closer to the center of Navi Mumbai. Places like CBD Belapur, which used to be the midway point, might see less through-traffic since many will opt for the tunnel instead of going around. The everyday congestion at choke points (like the busy LP junction in Nerul) may ease, improving even the commute for those who don’t use the tunnel.
One can draw a parallel to how the Eastern Freeway in Mumbai cut down commute times from Chembur to South Bombay – it changed the mental map of the city. The KTLR is expected to do something similar for Navi Mumbai, making distances feel shorter. It’s the difference between a stressful 40-minute stop-and-go drive and a smooth 10-minute cruise, which is almost unimaginable for long-time residents who have endured the old routes.
That said, drivers will have to adapt to tunnel driving (maintaining speed limits, no overtaking inside tunnel tubes, etc.) and there will be toll or maintenance considerations (the authorities haven’t confirmed if a toll will be levied; it’s possible a user fee might exist to fund maintenance). Public transport routes might also adjust – for instance, NMMT buses could run a direct Kharghar–Vashi service via the tunnel, benefiting non-drivers.
Environmental & Community Concerns
Tunnel through eco-sensitive hills without clear green clearance: Not everyone is cheering for the tunnel project. Environmental activists and some local residents have raised red flags about its ecological impact and the manner in which it’s being implemented. Here are the main concerns:
- Lack of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): In January 2025, an RTI (Right to Information) query revealed that no EIA report for the KTLR was available with the Maharashtra Environment Department. Given that the project involves drilling a large tunnel through the Parsik hills (Pandavkada area) – an area considered environmentally sensitive – an EIA would normally be mandatory. Activists from NatConnect Foundation (led by B N Kumar) interpret the RTI reply as evidence that the tunnel road “skipped” proper environmental approval. They suspect the authorities pushed ahead without a full public environmental study, a charge that CIDCO has not directly refuted in public. CIDCO only states that “all regulatory protocols are being followed”, which activists fear might be a generic claim.
- Impact on the Pandavkada Hills Ecosystem: The Kharghar hills (Pandavkada range) are more than just a rocky barrier; they host rich biodiversity and serve as urban green lungs. A Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) survey for a planned nature park in these hills recorded 239 plant species, 295 insect species, 28 reptiles, 179 bird species, and 12 mammal species among other fauna. Wildlife sightings have included golden jackals and even a leopard in this hill stretch. Conservationists like Jyoti Nadkarni of the Kharghar Hills and Wetlands Forum point out that the Forest Department had envisioned a Pandavkada Eco-Tourism Park to protect and showcase this biodiversity. However, with the road/tunnel project cutting through, those plans appear abandoned.
- Quarrying and hill cutting issues: Separate but related is the ongoing quarrying activity at Kharghar hills which has become a flashpoint. For years, quarries have been blasting parts of these hills for stone, causing huge dust pollution. These quarries are near the route of the tunnel. Environmental groups have written to the Chief Minister warning that continued hill quarrying could destabilize the area and even pose risks to the tunnel construction. They cite instances of landslides in similar hill-cutting scenarios (like the recent Irshalwadi landslide) as cautionary tales. Additionally, dust clouds from blasting often engulf nearby areas – including a Tata Cancer Hospital in Kharghar – raising health concerns for patients and residents. In mid-2025, the CM did direct a probe into these complaints. Activists demand that quarrying be halted, at least while the tunnel construction is ongoing, to ensure safety and environmental compliance.
- Water resource concerns: The Parsik hills are important for groundwater recharge and waterfalls like Pandavkada are seasonal attractions fed by rain. Locals note that blasting the hills could affect natural springs and water flow. In fact, there is a point made by activists about harnessing the hills for water rather than destroying them. B N Kumar mentioned that the hills receive good rainfall and water could be collected in ponds to supply Kharghar, especially since many Kharghar residents still rely on tanker water due to insufficient supply. In their view, CIDCO is ignoring sustainable alternatives (like rainwater harvesting in the hills) which could alleviate the city’s dependence on external sources like the Morbe Dam for water. Instead, the focus on the tunnel has even led to the permanent closure of Pandavkada waterfall to visitors, which locals lament as a loss of a natural recreational spot.
- Social impact and involvement: Some indigenous communities (Adivasis) have historically lived off these hills (for foraging and small-scale farming). There was previous unrest when a hillock was bulldozed for the Kharghar Golf Course, displacing some of these people. Activists draw parallels, fearing that the tunnel project might similarly sideline the interests of local communities who depend on the hill’s ecology. Moreover, from a procedural standpoint, critics argue there hasn’t been adequate public consultation or transparency. RTI queries and letters to officials seem to be the primary way citizens are finding out details, which indicates a gap in stakeholder engagement.
It remains to be seen how these issues are resolved. If the tunnel road goes ahead unaltered, activists may even approach the courts or the National Green Tribunal given the procedural questions. For now, it’s a classic debate in Navi Mumbai – infrastructure versus environment – playing out around Kharghar’s hills. The hope from the community side is that development can be made more sustainable, so that the tunnel when completed doesn’t come at an irreparable environmental cost.
Impact on Real Estate & Development
Unlocking Kharghar’s potential: Big infrastructure projects in Navi Mumbai have historically boosted real estate demand – and the Kharghar–Turbhe Tunnel is no exception. Developers, investors, and residents are closely watching how this link road will reshape property markets.
Making Kharghar more accessible: Kharghar is already a sought-after node with educational institutes, parks, and housing complexes. Its main drawback has been long commutes. The tunnel addresses this by cutting travel time by around 30 minutes, making Upper Kharghar (sectors near the hills) far more attractive. Areas once seen as “too far” will be within easy reach of jobs in Turbhe MIDC or even South Mumbai via the Trans Harbour Link. Experts believe KTLR will drastically raise Upper Kharghar’s profile as Navi Mumbai’s next residential hotspot.
Spurring projects and price growth: Even before completion, the tunnel is a selling point in project brochures across Kharghar, Taloja, and Kalamboli. Consultants expect property prices to rise once it opens, driven by improved connectivity to the airport and other nodes. Industry reports note that KTLR, along with the metro and airport, is set to significantly enhance Navi Mumbai’s socio- economic and real estate value. Buyers are advised to track price trends using tools like our Property Price Checker.
Upper Kharghar’s transformation: The tunnel exit lies near Sectors 30–34, a relatively underdeveloped stretch compared to central Kharghar. With both the tunnel and metro converging here, this area is poised for rapid change. Developers are pitching it as a green, well- connected enclave. As population grows, malls, offices, and retail hubs are also likely to follow.
Turbhe and nearby nodes benefit too: On the Turbhe side, known for its industrial estates and wholesale markets, businesses will gain direct access to residential labour pools in Kharghar and Taloja. Even Vashi and Seawoods might see secondary effects, as someone working in Kharghar could now easily rent in Sanpada or Seawoods knowing the commute is only 10 minutes through the tunnel.
Catalyst for the International Corporate Park (ICP): The ICP in Kharghar, planned as Navi Mumbai’s new CBD, will benefit massively. With a direct artery to the Thane-Belapur industrial belt and JNPT port via Turbhe, companies will find the location more viable. This could accelerate the ICP’s development and strengthen the wider Smart City projects around the airport.
Investment outlook: Kharghar already saw price growth due to the metro and Central Park; the tunnel is expected to provide another bump. Taloja could also benefit indirectly as the corridor extends toward it. By 2028, the Panvel–Kharghar–Vashi belt could emerge as a continuous growth corridor. Investors who bought early in Kharghar are likely to see strong returns.
Markets do depend on broader economic conditions, but Navi Mumbai’s infrastructure pipeline – the airport, metro expansions, coastal roads – keeps the outlook bullish. The tunnel is often cited alongside the airport as a major catalyst for the city’s next growth phase.
Tip: Buyers should focus on projects near tunnel exits and verify developer claims with official maps. Commercial real estate, including tech parks and offices, may also shift to Kharghar, creating more local jobs and reducing reliance on Mumbai commutes – a virtuous cycle of growth if infrastructure is delivered on time.
Latest News & Updates
Construction updates, official reviews, and community reactions (2024–2025): The Kharghar–Turbhe Tunnel Project has been steadily in the news over the past year. Here are the latest updates and highlights as of 2025:
- Work Commencement (Dec 2024): CIDCO announced in mid-December 2024 that construction work on the tunnel link road had officially commenced. This followed the contractor mobilizing equipment on site. The news confirmed the project cost of ₹2,099 crore and the completion timeline of four years (by Sept 2028). Media reports highlighted the expected travel time reduction (40 min to 10 min) which generated a lot of positive buzz. Locals reported seeing initial clearing work near both ends of the planned tunnel.
- Environmental Protest News (Jan–May 2025): As detailed earlier, environmental groups have been vocal. In January 2025, press reports (Free Press Journal, Mid-Day) headlined that the road project “faces criticism for lack of EIA” and that activists allege the project skipped green clearance. The RTI revelation made news on January 17, 2025, leading to questions in local media about whether proper procedures were followed. Then in May 2025, Times of India reported on activists writing to the Chief Minister to halt quarry blasting near the tunnel site due to safety and pollution concerns. In response, the CM’s office did ask the Raigad collector to investigate the quarry issue. This is an ongoing story – local MLA or civic groups might take it up further if issues persist. However, so far, there’s no court-imposed stay or anything on the tunnel work; the project continues amidst these parallel discussions.
- Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) Tender/Arrival: Although not widely publicized, infrastructure enthusiasts on forums have speculated that a Tunnel Boring Machine might be deployed for this project given the length (1.8 km is fairly long for a road tunnel in this region). However, the contractor Rithwik Projects, known for conventional tunneling as well, might use the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM) or blast-and-drill technique instead of a TBM, considering the hard rock involved. Updates on the exact tunneling method haven’t been officially detailed yet. We might hear news of a TBM lowering or blasting milestones later in 2025 or 2026 when tunneling hits full swing.
- Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation: By 2025, most of the land required (which is largely CIDCO-owned or government land along the hill and existing road margins) has been secured. There were a few structures and hutments near the Turbhe end that needed relocation. Local news reports suggested these were cleared with compensation by early 2024. No major rehabilitation controversies have been reported – a contrast to some other projects – likely because the route deliberately goes through hill and government plots to minimize displacement.
- Media and Public Sentiment: Social media in Navi Mumbai has been abuzz with photos of the early works. Many residents are excited, often posting updates on platforms like Twitter and Instagram with tags like #KTLR and #NaviMumbaiInfra. For instance, a January 2025 drone shot of the Kharghar side hill site showed the initial excavation footprint. On the other hand, community groups concerned with the environment continue to hold meetings and sometimes small protests, especially on World Environment Day, to demand the promised nature park in the hills be preserved even as the road comes.
- Official Statements: CIDCO officials in 2025 consistently affirm that the project is “on track”. In one press note, an official said work is progressing as per schedule and that all necessary permissions are in place, urging citizens to see the larger benefit. The Maharashtra government, in its budget or assembly sessions, has also highlighted the Kharghar-Turbhe Link as a key project for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Politically, it has support across the board, so we don’t see any political hurdles; if anything, politicians are eager to inaugurate it by 2028.
- Looking Forward: Some upcoming milestones to watch for in news:
The breakthrough of the tunnel (when digging from both ends meets in the middle) – expected in 2026 or 2027.
Installation of tunnel systems like lighting and ventilation around 2027.
Completion of the viaduct spans, with massive girders being launched.
Traffic planning updates – how the junctions at Turbhe and Kharghar ends will be managed, including any interchanges or toll plazas.
Integration with other projects – for example, the proposed Coastal Road from Kharghar to Belapur, which will complement the tunnel by creating a ring route. One recent article also mentioned this coastal road plan as another step to ease traffic and improve connectivity.
(For real-time updates, follow Navi Mumbai news outlets or check CIDCO’s announcements. Our blog on Smart City Projects in Navi Mumbai also covers such developments.)
A tunnel shaping Navi Mumbai’s future – with mindful execution: The Kharghar–Turbhe Tunnel Project exemplifies the city’s ethos of ambitious planned development. By carving a road through the Parsik hills, Navi Mumbai is overcoming a natural barrier and knitting its regions closer – transforming a cumbersome commute into a swift drive. On paper, it’s a win for connectivity, economic growth, and commuter convenience, aligning perfectly with the vision of a modern, well-connected city. It will make daily life easier for thousands, boost projects like the Corporate Park and airport, and likely spur new opportunities in housing and business.
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