Navi Mumbai – The Bombay High Court has given the green light for the long-delayed cycling track along Palm Beach Road, allowing the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) to resume construction. The decision removes legal hurdles that had stalled the project for years.
The 7.5 km-long and 3.5-meter-wide cycle track, running parallel to Thane Creek, was first proposed in 2018-19 to promote eco-friendly mobility and reduce congestion on Palm Beach Road. While the project received all necessary approvals in 2021, environmental concerns led to legal challenges, delaying its completion.
The case gained urgency after the tragic death of Avtar Saini, former India country head of Intel, who was fatally dragged by a speeding cab while cycling on Palm Beach Road on February 28 last year. The incident intensified calls for safer cycling infrastructure in the city.
Opposition to the project came from the Bombay Environmental Action Group (BEAG), which argued that construction in Coastal Regulation Zone-2 (CRZ-2) could harm the environment. However, NMMC assured the court that no mangroves would be destroyed during construction. The court also acknowledged approvals from the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA), the Forest Department, and the State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA).
With only 50% of the work completed and Rs 6 crore out of the allocated Rs 11.58 crore already disbursed to the contractor, the project had been at a standstill. The High Court has now directed NMMC to submit an affidavit within two weeks, ensuring compliance with all environmental regulations.
Once completed, the cycling track will enhance Navi Mumbai’s infrastructure by offering a safe, sustainable transport alternative for cyclists and fitness enthusiasts.