Mumbai is set to witness a major improvement in its road infrastructure as the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) constructs a new elevated road connecting Ghatkopar and Thane. Once completed, the travel time between the two points will be reduced to just 30-35 minutes.
This elevated corridor will stretch from Chheda Nagar in Ghatkopar to Anand Nagar in Thane, covering a distance of approximately 12.955 kilometers. The road will be completely signal-free, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted journey for commuters.
The elevated road is being built above the Eastern Express Highway, which currently sees heavy traffic congestion daily. With the introduction of this new road, commuters will experience significant relief from the traffic bottlenecks. Moreover, it will also ease travel between South Mumbai and Thane. The construction is being carried out by Navayuga Engineering Company, with an estimated project cost of Rs 2,682 crore.
Swift Land Acquisition a Key Milestone
One of the major achievements in this project has been the rapid completion of land acquisition — typically the biggest hurdle in such large-scale developments. Thanks to the joint efforts of MMRDA and the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), the process was completed in record time. Around 1,694 slum units in Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar have been successfully rehabilitated. Uniquely, MMRDA is directly handling the slum redevelopment for the first time, taking full responsibility for the relocation process. This project is expected to become a crucial link in Mumbai’s expanding road network.
Road Design and Connectivity
The elevated road will feature three lanes on each side, making it six lanes wide in total, with a width of 40 meters. It will provide a seamless travel experience for thousands of daily commuters and significantly reduce the load on the Eastern Express Highway. Furthermore, it will be connected to the existing Eastern Freeway, which currently runs from P.D. Mello Road to Chheda Nagar. Although the freeway has improved travel conditions to some extent, it hasn’t completely resolved issues for commuters traveling beyond Mankhurd. The new elevated corridor will bridge this gap, offering a faster and more direct route.
Construction is progressing at a fast pace, with excavation and pillar work already underway. As the road is being built over an active expressway, the construction poses significant challenges, but safety measures are being strictly followed, including barricading of the construction site. Once completed, this elevated road is expected to become a vital and efficient artery in Mumbai’s transport system.
