The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has sanctioned nine new infrastructure projects, with an estimated investment of INR 12,546 crore. These projects, approved during the 282nd Executive Committee meeting on September 4, focus on resolving the region’s pressing transportation issues while aligning with broader state development goals ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections.
Among the most ambitious undertakings is the construction of a 13.5 km Thane Coastal Road, connecting Balkum to Gaimukh NH 3 Connector via Ghodbunder By-Pass DP Road, at an estimated cost of INR 2,727 crore. This road is expected to facilitate smoother transit across key zones, complementing the Virar-Alibaug Multimodal Corridor by substantially reducing travel time between Kharegaon and Kopri. Additional projects in the plan include a 3.93 km road linking Kasarvadavali in Thane to Kharbao in Bhiwandi, costing INR 1,525.3 crore, and an elevated route connecting NH-4 (Old) to Katai Naka with a budget of INR 1,981.2 crore.
The MMRDA has approved a 12.95 km extension of the elevated Eastern Freeway from Chheda Nagar in Ghatkopar to Thane, which is valued at INR 2,727 crore. These projects aim to ease traffic congestion and promote economic activity in the region by enhancing road networks. Key elements of the plan also include an elevated road connecting Kalyan-Murbad Road to the Badlapur Road overbridge over the Karjat-Kasara railway line, a new creek bridge from Kolshet to Kalher, and another from Gaimukh to Payegaon. An elevated road from Anand Nagar to Saket on the Eastern Express Highway and a 608-meter foot overbridge at Teen Hath Naka in Thane as part of the Metro Line 4 and 4A development have also been cleared, with total costs for these ventures estimated at INR 1,783.9 crore.
These projects predominantly focus on Thane, the Chief Minister’s home district, underlining the government’s commitment to developing local infrastructure. Seven of the nine approved projects are based in Thane, representing an investment of INR 10,114 crore. The MMRDA highlighted that these initiatives would address urgent transit demands, expand road capacity by over 50 km, and ease traffic flow throughout the MMR. The new infrastructure projects reflect MMRDA’s strategy to advance regional connectivity, alleviate congestion, and enhance the efficiency of the transportation network. The authority emphasises that these efforts will provide a robust framework for future growth, driving socio-economic development across the region.
