December 3, 2025: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has commenced work on the 13.9-km Elevated Eastern Freeway Extension, a landmark project aimed at drastically cutting travel time between Thane and South Mumbai. Once complete, the new corridor is expected to reduce the journey to just 25–30 minutes, transforming daily commute patterns across the region.
The project involves building a fully elevated, six-lane road linking Anand Nagar in Thane to Chheda Nagar in Ghatkopar. It will seamlessly merge with the proposed Anand Nagar–Saket elevated roadway at Mulund, creating an uninterrupted, high-speed connection along the eastern belt of the metropolitan region.
In terms of engineering, the extension introduces several firsts for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The structure will rely on a single-pile, single-pier system, a design never before used at this scale for elevated corridors in the city. The alignment will include 2.5-metre diameter monopiles and 40-metre spans supporting a 25-metre-wide superstructure, ensuring smooth, signal-free movement for motorists.
Environmental considerations have also shaped key aspects of the design. To protect the city’s greenery, the alignment between Vikhroli and Ghatkopar was modified to save 127 Pink Trumpet trees. Additionally, MMRDA plans to plant more than 4,000 trees as part of compensatory afforestation efforts. Construction techniques have been selected to minimise disruption in densely populated zones along the route.
The extension is expected to deliver several major benefits once operational. It will help ease congestion on the Eastern Express Highway, provide faster connectivity for commuters and freight operators, improve emergency response times, and stimulate economic activity across the Thane–Mumbai corridor. With its modern design and sustainability-focused approach, the project is set to become a critical mobility backbone for the region.
Source: Pune Mirror
