The long-awaited expansion of the Vadape-Thane section of the Old Mumbai-Nashik Highway is nearing completion, with the upgraded 23.8-km corridor expected to open to traffic around Diwali. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has reported that more than 92% of the project has been completed.
The Rs 1,182-crore project is being executed by MSRDC on behalf of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to improve traffic movement between Thane, Bhiwandi and Nashik, particularly along a key freight route serving Bhiwandi’s large warehousing and logistics sector.
Eight-Lane Corridor Taking Shape
The expansion is being developed as an eight-lane highway, supported by two-lane service roads on both sides. The upgraded corridor is intended to improve traffic flow, strengthen local connectivity and reduce bottlenecks along one of the busiest routes linking Mumbai with Nashik.
Of the total 23.8-km main carriageway, around 22.46 km has been completed. Work on the 18.35-km service-road network has also advanced, with approximately 17.40 km finished.
Major Structures Near Completion
Several important structures have already been completed, including the Kalwa Creek Bridge, Kasheli Creek Bridge and Vadape Flyover.
An 84-metre railway overbridge, one of the major remaining elements, was around 72% complete in July. Girder launching began after Railway authorities granted the required permission in May.
The project also features 10 vehicular underpasses (VUPs) to improve cross-connectivity and reduce conflicts between local and through traffic.
Seven underpasses at Yewai, Walshind, Sonale, Saravali, Dive LVUP, Dive VUP and Kharegaon had been completed in the latest update. Construction at Pimplas, Ovali and Mankoli-Motagaon was progressing towards completion.
Boost for Freight and Regional Connectivity
The Vadape-Thane expansion is expected to be particularly significant for the movement of goods between Mumbai, Bhiwandi and Nashik. Bhiwandi has emerged as a major logistics and warehousing hub, resulting in high volumes of commercial traffic on the existing highway.
The upgraded road could also help distribute traffic associated with the Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Mahamarg, while providing improved access to industrial and logistics clusters around Bhiwandi.
Rs 1,182-Crore HAM Project
The project is being implemented under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM). Under the arrangement, NHAI provides upfront financial support, while the remaining payments are made to MSRDC through instalments over a 15-year period.
With more than 92% of the work completed, attention is now focused on finishing the remaining structures, service-road sections and associated works required before opening.
If the Diwali target is achieved, commuters and freight operators could gain a substantially wider and more structured corridor between Vadape, Thane and Bhiwandi, easing pressure on the existing road network.
For the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, the project represents an important upgrade to a major regional freight and commuter route, with the completed corridor expected to improve travel reliability and strengthen connections towards Nashik and the Mumbai-Nagpur economic corridor.
Source: The Free Press Journal
