The City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) has initiated the design and construction of the Kharghar Coastal Road (KCR), a key project aimed at improving connectivity to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). Spanning 9.679 kilometres, the road will link Jalmarg Sector 16 in Kharghar to Belapur, with 2.986 kilometres utilizing existing infrastructure. The project, expected to be completed within 30 months, received Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in August.

The new road will feature stilt construction and ground-level reclamation, significantly enhancing connectivity in Navi Mumbai. It will connect Kharghar station to Belapur, running parallel to NMIA, with links to the PMAY Housing Scheme and Delhi Public School (DPS) in Nerul. According to reports, the first 90 days will focus on design and approvals, with the remaining 823 days dedicated to construction.

A CIDCO official noted that the KCR will improve access to NMIA, the Nerul Water Terminal, Kharghar, and the International Corporate Park, reducing traffic on the Sion-Panvel Highway. The route will pass through Belapur and cross Amra Marg, connecting to an elevated road near the Nerul Water Transport Terminal and Palm Beach Marg.

In addition, construction has started on the 5.8-kilometre Ulwe Coastal Road, which will connect NMIA to Atal Setu, providing a direct route for vehicles from Mumbai. These projects are set to significantly enhance airport access and improve travel efficiency in the region.

BJP MLA Nitesh Rane booked for using words of hatred at a Ganpati program in Navi Mumbai.

The Speech

Police announced on Monday (September 16, 2024) that BJP MLA Nitesh Rane has been charged for insulting a minority group during his speech at a Ganpati ceremony in Navi Mumbai.

Based on a police officer’s complaint, the case was filed against Mr Rane and the organiser of a Ganpati celebration in Navi Mumbai on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at the NRI police station, according to an official.

The complaint claimed that Mr Rane was one of the main guests during a seven-day Ganpati celebration held at Ulwe by one Sankalp Gharat without the necessary authorisation. The charge claimed that Mr Rane incited people and specifically targeted the minority community during the September 11 program.

According to the official, a first information report (FIR) has been filed under several pertinent Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) provisions, including sections 302 (uttering words with deliberate intent to wound religious feelings of any person), 351(2) (criminal intimidation), and 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace).

On Thursday, September 12, Dr. P. P. Vava, a member of the Central Government’s National Sanitation Staff Commission, paid a visit to the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) headquarters and expressed his appreciation for the organization’s efforts in the area of sanitation. In order to improve the welfare and recognition of sanitation workers, Dr Vava praised the Municipal Corporation’s Swachhamitra and Safaimitra initiatives as well as the ongoing sanitation projects.

Throughout his visit, Dr. Vava offered insightful criticism and recommendations for more enhancements, demonstrating his belief that the city may accomplish even better outcomes in the future.

At a ceremony to commemorate the visit, coordinator Sandeep Charan and social consultant Mr Girender Nath received awards for their achievements. Along with other department heads and personnel, Additional Commissioners Mr Sunil Pawar and Mr Shirish Aardwad attended the meeting.

Dr. Kailas Shinde, the Municipal Commissioner of Navi Mumbai, greeted Dr. Vava and gave him an update on the city’s sanitation initiatives, emphasizing the facilities and well-being of cleaning personnel. Commissioner Shinde emphasized how the titles “Swachhamitra” and “Safaimitra” signal the municipality’s dedication to recognizing and respecting sanitation workers by elevating their social status.

In addition, Dr. Vava personally inspected the city’s automobiles and equipment while speaking with the cleaners. In comparison to other cities, he expressed pleasure with the advanced condition of Navi Mumbai’s sanitation operations, pointing out the particular care paid to the health and safety of sanitation personnel.