Mumbai has initiated construction on the ₹2,682-crore Eastern Freeway extension, a major infrastructure project aimed at reducing travel time between South Mumbai and Thane to just 30 minutes. The elevated corridor, being developed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), will run from Chheda Nagar near Chembur to Anand Nagar in Thane.
The Eastern Freeway, currently connecting South Mumbai to Ghatkopar, has long been a preferred route for motorists seeking a faster alternative to congested arterial roads. The new extension will bridge the missing link between the existing freeway and Thane’s road network, providing a continuous, signal-free corridor. Officials confirmed that groundwork has begun, marking a significant milestone in MMRDA’s broader mobility enhancement strategy for the metropolitan region. According to project plans, the new elevated road will be approximately 14 kilometres long and designed to decongest major bottlenecks at Ghatkopar and Mulund. By linking directly to the Eastern Express Highway and upcoming metro corridors, the extension aims to enhance multimodal connectivity across the eastern suburbs.
An MMRDA official said the project is expected to significantly improve travel efficiency. “Once operational, the extended freeway will enable seamless movement from South Mumbai to Thane in under 30 minutes, supporting regional economic activity and reducing fuel consumption,” the official stated. Urban transport planners view the extension as a crucial step towards building a more sustainable and interconnected Mumbai. “Elevated corridors like this help redistribute traffic loads and reduce pressure on existing roads, but their true impact will depend on integrated last-mile connectivity and public transport linkages,” said a transport expert.
The project also aligns with MMRDA’s vision to create a sustainable, multimodal transport network that supports Mumbai’s transition toward low-carbon mobility. By offering faster routes and minimising idling time, the freeway extension is expected to cut vehicular emissions along key corridors, contributing to cleaner air quality in dense urban zones. However, environmental planners have emphasised the importance of balancing infrastructure development with ecological safeguards. They note that measures such as noise barriers, efficient stormwater drainage, and native landscaping should be incorporated to ensure the corridor’s resilience against climate challenges.
The freeway extension, once complete, is expected to integrate seamlessly with other major infrastructure works such as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link and the Thane–Borivali Tunnel, collectively reshaping regional connectivity. For commuters, the project promises not only shorter travel times but also a glimpse into a more efficient, sustainable mobility future for India’s financial capital.
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