A major infrastructure project, a new elevated road for a smooth, signal-free commute between Ghatkopar and Thane, has formally begun construction by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). The Free Press Journal claims that this ambitious route will reduce travel time to just thirty to thirty-five minutes.
Spanning 12.955 kilometres in length and 40 metres in width, the elevated road will stretch from Chheda Nagar in Ghatkopar to Anand Nagar in Thane, directly connecting with the existing Eastern Freeway. This strategic integration will enable motorists to travel from South Mumbai to Thane without encountering any traffic signals.
The route, which will consist of three lanes in each direction, will run directly above the Eastern Express Highway, effectively bypassing one of Mumbai’s most congested stretches. The total cost of the project is pegged at Rs 2,682 crore, with Navayuga Engineering serving as the primary contractor.
Construction is already underway with visible progress — including excavation, pillar work, and the installation of safety barricades. Once complete, the road will connect with the 16.8-km-long Eastern Freeway, which currently runs from PD Mello Road near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus to Chheda Nagar.
While the Eastern Freeway has significantly eased congestion in South Mumbai, the bottleneck towards Thane—especially around Mankhurd—remains a pressing issue. The new elevated corridor is designed to resolve this by offering a direct, uninterrupted route to Thane.
The MMRDA made history by managing quick land acquisition, which is frequently a significant barrier in infrastructure projects. The Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) deserves praise for accelerating the procedure. Relocating 1,694 slum apartments in Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar was one of the major obstacles. Notably, as part of a comprehensive approach to urban development, the MMRDA will also supervise the redevelopment of this slum cluster.
Source: English Jagran
