KALYAN: With the proposed double-decker Ranjnoli-Kalyan-Shilphata transport corridor aimed at easing congestion on one of Thane district’s busiest routes, Kalyan Lok Sabha MP Dr Shrikant Shinde has directed the MMRDA to expedite work on the elevated flyover planned below the Metro 12 corridor.The approximately 21-km project from Ranjnoli in Bhiwandi to Shilphata is planned to integrate metro and road infrastructure, with an elevated flyover proposed between the existing road and the metro system.The project is expected to provide an alternative route for through traffic and reduce pressure on the existing Ranjnoli- Kalyan-Shilphata Road.The corridor is strategically important as it connects Kalyan-Dombivli and the Ambernath-Badlapur belt with Navi Mumbai, Thane and Mumbai.The road currently witnesses heavy traffic, particularly during peak hours, and ongoing Metro 12 construction has added to traffic-related difficulties for motorists.The issue was discussed at a meeting held at the MMRDA headquarters in Mumbai to review major infrastructure and transport projects in the Kalyan Lok Sabha constituency.Shinde directed senior MMRDA officials to complete permissions and other administrative procedures required for the elevated flyover on priority.He also asked authorities to secure land and permissions required for metro stations in advance so that station construction is not delayed.Officials were asked to plan approach and exit roads, connecting routes and traffic arrangements for the flyover in advance. Shinde stressed that the elevated road infrastructure should be developed simultaneously with the metro so that motorists can use the new route without waiting for a separate phase of construction.The double-decker project assumes significance as Metro 12 work is already progressing along the Kalyan-Shilphata Road. Commuters have been facing traffic disruptions at several locations due to ongoing construction.Shinde has therefore sought simultaneous execution of the elevated road and metro works to ensure that the alternative road route is available as soon as possible.The proposed system is part of the wider transport planning for the Ranjnoli-Kalyan-Shilphata corridor, where road and metro infrastructure are being integrated to increase the carrying capacity of the busy route.Once completed, the double-decker system is expected to help segregate through traffic from local traffic and provide a faster alternative for vehicles travelling between Bhiwandi, Kalyan-Dombivli, Ambernath-Badlapur, Shilphata, Navi Mumbai and Thane.Officials have been directed to ensure close coordination between agencies so that technical, land acquisition and approval-related issues do not delay the project.
