Major Infrastructure Boost with Six-Lane Elevated Road

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has announced the tender for a new 6.30-kilometre elevated road in Thane, designed to alleviate traffic congestion between Anand Nagar and Saket on the Eastern Express Highway (EEH). The project, costing Rs 1,699 crore, is expected to be completed in four years and promises to significantly improve traffic flow in the city.

Strategic Development Under CM Eknath Shinde

Since Chief Minister Eknath Shinde took office, Thane, his home turf, has seen numerous infrastructure initiatives aimed at enhancing the city's connectivity. The new elevated road is a key part of Shinde’s push for infrastructure development, and it is expected to have a substantial impact on the daily lives of Thane’s residents.

Approved in 2023, the Anand Nagar-Saket elevated road will feature six lanes, which will help optimize traffic movement from Samruddhi Mahamarg and the Mumbai Nashik highway. The Thane Municipal Corporation sought the necessary permissions, and the MMRDA will handle the construction.

Additional Infrastructure Projects in Thane

In addition to the Anand Nagar-Saket elevated road, the MMRDA is constructing another elevated road from Ghatkopar to Thane along the Eastern Express Highway, connecting Thane to the Eastern Freeway. Another significant project is the second coastal road from Gaimukh to Balkum. The MMRDA plans to concrete sections of Ghodbunder Road, from Kapurbawdi to Gaimukh, at a cost of Rs 395 crore.

Upcoming Projects and Future Traffic Management

During the most recent MMRDA meeting, the executive committee approved several key projects, including a tunnel from Gaimukh to Fountain Hotel, which connects Thane district with Palghar district, and an elevated road from Fountain Hotel to Bhayander. Consultants are being sought to design these projects and obtain environmental permissions, with a construction timeline of five and a half years.

Anticipating Future Traffic Increases

As traffic in Thane is anticipated to increase significantly, these infrastructure projects are crucial. The operationalization of Vadhavan port is expected to draw more business-related travel to the area, further increasing traffic. The Mumbai Vadodara Expressway will help divert heavy traffic, while the Thane Borivali Twin Tunnel and Mulund Goregaon Tunnel will improve East-West connectivity, easing the overall traffic burden in Thane.

Conclusion

Thane’s new six-lane elevated road from Anand Nagar to Saket, along with other ongoing infrastructure projects, marks a significant step towards reducing traffic congestion and improving connectivity in the region. These developments are set to transform Thane’s transportation landscape, providing much-needed relief to its residents and supporting the city’s growth and development.