The construction of the Kasarvadavli-Kharbhav Creek bridge project has hit a roadblock due to delays in land acquisition on both sides of Vasai Creek, raising concerns over meeting its April 2028 completion deadline, officials familiar with the matter said.
The 3.93-km project was approved by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) more than two years ago, but land required for road connectivity on either side of the bridge is yet to be acquired.
“The project requires around 26 hectares of land on the Kasarvadavli side and 6.86 hectares of land on the Kharbhav side. While land acquisition was to be completed within 12 months, no land has been acquired in the past two years,” said a senior MMRDA official, requesting anonymity.
While work on the creek bridge portion has started, construction activities on the approach roads have not progressed due to the pending land acquisition process. Officials said the delay could affect the targeted completion timeline.
The project was approved on March 3, 2024, during MMRDA’s 156th authority meeting chaired by then Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. In October 2024, Afcons Infrastructure was awarded the contract for Rs 1,552.77 crore, which was 6.83% above MMRDA’s estimated cost.
The proposed corridor includes a 1-km-long bridge over Vasai Creek and a 40-metre-wide road with four lanes in each direction.
On the Kasarvadavli side, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) is responsible for acquiring around 26 hectares through the Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) mechanism. The land includes 37 parcels, including one owned by a BJP leader. Officials said notices have been issued to affected landowners, but acquisition has not progressed further.
On the Kharbhav side, the Thane Collector’s office is handling the acquisition of 6.86 hectares spread across 12 land parcels. A joint measurement survey has been completed, while property valuation is currently underway.
Sources said the project’s absence from the Chief Minister’s War Room, which tracks major infrastructure projects, contributed to delays. However, MMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Sanjay Mukherjee said the project remains on schedule.
“MMRDA is implementing the Kasarvadavli-Kharbhav creek bridge project as per the approved schedule, with the land acquisition process being undertaken by the Thane Municipal Corporation on the Kasarvadavli end and the Thane Collector’s Office on the Kharbhav side, alongside parallel construction activities. Major statutory clearances have already been secured, key construction works including the navigational span have commenced, and the project continues to be closely monitored through MMRDA’s established review mechanism. The project remains on track for scheduled completion in April 2028,” Mukherjee said.
Once completed, the bridge is expected to provide a direct link between Ghodbunder Road in Thane and Kharbhav in Bhiwandi, reducing dependence on congested routes through Kalwa, Majiwada and the Mumbai-Nashik Highway. The project is also expected to reduce travel time between Thane and Bhiwandi.
Source: Hindustan Times
