Motorists traveling to and from Navi Mumbai will finally be relieved, as the northbound Thane Creek Bridge opened to the public earlier this month. The bridge was opened by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who also laid the groundwork for the construction of seven more bridges along the Coastal Highway to connect Mumbai to the Maharashtra-Goa state border. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) is responsible for planning and executing this huge project.
The southbound bridge is allegedly 80% complete. Both bridges, part of the broader Sion-Panvel Highway, would have three lanes each and are expected to cost Rs 599 crore. They are positioned on either side of the regularly used route and are expected to reduce congestion. Once fully operational, these bridges are expected to handle two lakh vehicles each day. Currently, cars must rely on a Ro-Ro boat or take a diversion to cross the streams along the route, which greatly increases travel time in the hinterland.
An MSRDC official stated that the overall length of all seven planned bridges is 26.70 km, with a construction cost of Rs 7,851 crore. The Rewas-Redi Coastal Highway will have bridges at Dharamtar, Kundalika, Agardanda, Bankot, Kelshi, Jaigad, and Kunkeshwar. The Chief Minister stated that there has been a desire for seven bridges along the Coastal Highway since the state’s inception, and this demand is now being met as a Diwali present to the Konkan people. He went on to say that these creek bridges will not only help Konkan flourish but will also considerably increase tourism in the region.
The Thane Creek Bridge’s opening is a watershed point in Navi Mumbai transportation, providing a much-needed solution to traffic congestion. With additional developments planned along the Coastal Highway, the area is set for economic expansion and increasing tourism. The dedication to improving infrastructure not only enhances connectivity but also promises to benefit local people, paving the way for long-term growth in the Konkan.
Source: Prop News Time