THANE: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has floated tenders for the first phase of its ambitious 12km Katai-Airoli highway project.

The project, that costs nearly Rs 1,000 crore, will cut down travel time and distance between Kalyan-Dombivli and Mumbai by 7km, proving a respite for thousands of motorists. Presently, the commute requires a detour from Mahape or Thane, adding to the congestion on the stretch.

The project comprises a six-lane road (three in either directions) along with a 1.7-km long tunnel under Parsik Hills connecting fringe areas of Navi Mumbai and Kalyan-Dombivli, which fall en route to Mumbai.

The project is part of MMRDA`s comprehensive transport study on decongesting suburbs.

Once this highway is ready, the next project would be to extend this connect up to Badlapur, hinted an official. However, activists said the project is being undertaken to suit a few developers with projects located along the Shil Diva Daighar belt.