The Rs 2,682-crore Elevated Eastern Freeway Extension (EFE) is moving into its next major stage, with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) preparing to launch precast concrete segments over completed piers after the monsoon.
The 13.9-km elevated corridor has seen 165 of its planned 395 piers completed so far. According to the MMRDA, foundations at all 215 identified locations have already been completed, setting the stage for segment erection.
An MMRDA official said, “Foundations at all 215 locations are complete, with 165 of 395 piers cast so far. Post-monsoon, precast segments will be launched over the completed piers, marking the project’s next major construction phase.”
1,632 Segments to Form Elevated Viaduct
The project’s segment launcher was partly assembled in July, with two major trusses installed to facilitate the span-by-span erection of the elevated structure.
Each truss measures 59 metres and weighs around 160 tonnes, while the project involves installing 1,632 precast segments, each weighing approximately 90 tonnes.
The installation of the two trusses required coordination with traffic police as the operation was carried out along a busy highway. The overall lifting exercise took around four hours, with the actual placement of the trusses taking approximately one hour.
Four Access Points Planned
The elevated extension will begin near Chedda Nagar on the Eastern Express Highway and continue towards the Navghar flyover near Anand Nagar in Mulund East.
The corridor will have four entry and exit points at Chedda Nagar, Kanjurmarg, Airoli Bridge and Mulund Octroi Naka, improving access to the elevated route from multiple locations.
Faster Link Between Mumbai and Thane
Once completed, the EFE is expected to reduce congestion on the Eastern Express Highway and strengthen road connectivity between South Mumbai and Thane.
The project is expected to bring the travel time on the relevant corridor down to around 20-25 minutes, potentially offering commuters a faster alternative to congested surface routes.
The construction contract provides four years for project completion, including a two-year Defect Liability Period.
With foundation work advancing and the segment launcher ready for deployment, the post-monsoon period will mark a crucial phase for the project. The installation of the precast segments will gradually shape the elevated viaduct and bring the Eastern Freeway Extension closer to becoming an important north-south road link for Mumbai’s eastern suburbs and the wider Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Source: Mid-day
