Travel between Dombivli, Mumbai, and Nashik is expected to become faster and more efficient with the ongoing construction of an underpass and elevated road at Bhadwad along the Mumbai–Nashik highway near Bhiwandi. The project, undertaken by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation, aims to reduce congestion near the busy Mankoli Bridge junction.
Work on the underpass in the Bhadwad–Ovali stretch has been underway for nearly two years. The initiative is designed to streamline traffic movement for vehicles accessing the highway and prevent bottlenecks that frequently occur in the area. In addition to the underpass, elevated road construction is also in progress on both sides of the highway.
Given that construction is being carried out along a major arterial route, progress has been gradual to ensure minimal disruption to traffic. The project involves cutting through small hills using advanced technology, with strict safety measures in place to prevent debris from affecting passing vehicles. Over the past year and a half, hill-cutting has been largely completed, and work has now shifted to building the elevated structures and the underpass.
Currently, vehicles travelling from Dombivli towards the Mumbai–Nashik highway via the Mankoli bridge are forced to use a narrow 10-foot access road near Bhadwad, Ovali, and Vehale villages, before merging onto the highway. Temporary diversions are in place, affecting all categories of vehicles.
The project is expected to significantly improve traffic flow once completed. With increasing vehicular movement on the Mankoli flyover, authorities anticipate that the underpass and tunnel system will help segregate traffic streams and reduce congestion on both the highway and nearby village roads.
By enabling smoother connectivity between Dombivli, Thane, Mumbai, and Nashik, the infrastructure upgrade is set to ease daily commutes and support long-term traffic management in the region.
Source: Loksatta
