The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) in India has unveiled plans to construct a 33km six-lane road connecting Nahur near Mulund to Badlapur at a cost of Rs7.7bn ($157m).

Phase one of the project includes the construction of a 12km road, including a 1.5km tunnel road passing through the Parsik Hills.

Phase two of the project involves the expansion of state highway 43 between Katai Naka on Kalyan-Shil Phata Road to Badlapur, and phase threeI of the project will improve the Eastern Express Highway between Nahur and Airoli.

The 12km link will reduce journey time by 6km, offering better connectivity to the eastern suburbs.

Bids have been invited for the project, which is expected to start by the end of 2012.

In addition, the MMRDA is also in the process of building two 500m tunnel roads as part of the Anik-Panjarpol Link Road project.