The Mumbai Metropolitan Region’s ambitious Airoli–Katai Naka high-speed corridor is finally taking shape, with two phases expected to open by the end of 2026 and the full 12.7-km stretch targeted for completion by October 2028. The project is expected to dramatically improve connectivity between Navi Mumbai, Thane and the rapidly growing Kalyan-Dombivli belt.
The remaining section is scheduled to be completed by October 2028. Sources said Afcons Infrastructure emerged as the lowest bidder for one of the key construction packages with a bid of around Rs 2,018 crore.
Two of the three construction phases are expected to become operational by December this year, according to MMRDA. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis described the project as an important component of the broader “Mumbai 3.0” vision, which aims to reduce pressure on Mumbai city by creating stronger infrastructure links across the metropolitan region. MMRDA officials also said the project supports the vision of creating “Mumbai in Minutes” through faster road connectivity.
Officials believe the corridor will help distribute economic growth more evenly across Navi Mumbai, Thane and the extended suburbs while improving regional mobility. Other companies in the race included Ashoka Buildcon, Navayuga Engineering Company and APCO Infratech. As construction accelerates over the next two years, the Airoli–Katai corridor is expected to become one of the most important road infrastructure projects in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, potentially reshaping daily commuting patterns for lakhs of people.
Officials say phased opening will help commuters start benefiting from the project even before the entire corridor is ready, while construction continues on the remaining portions.
