Mumbai-bound arm of the Thane Creek Bridge at Vashi and the final 76-kilometre stretch of the Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Expressway between Bhiwandi and Igatpuri were inaugurated today.
These developments are poised to enhance connectivity and reduce travel time across the state. The newly opened southbound arm of the Thane Creek Bridge adds three lanes to the existing infrastructure, effectively doubling the bridge’s capacity to six lanes. This expansion addresses the long-standing bottleneck on the Sion-Panvel Highway, where 12 lanes of traffic previously converged into just three lanes on the bridge. With this addition, commuters can expect a smoother flow of traffic, particularly during peak hours. Simultaneously, the completion of the 76-kilometre Bhiwandi-Igatpuri stretch marks the final phase of the 701-kilometre Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Expressway. This expressway, traversing ten districts and over 390 villages, is designed to facilitate high-speed travel, with vehicles permitted to travel up to 150 km/h. The full operationalisation of this corridor is expected to reduce the travel time between Mumbai and Nagpur from 16 hours to approximately 8 hours, significantly enhancing regional connectivity and economic integration.
To further improve traffic conditions, the Maharashtra state cabinet has approved a compensation package of ₹780 crore to the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC). This funding will be used to eliminate toll collection for cars and SUVs at five key entry points into Mumbai: Vashi, Airoli, Mulund, Thane, and Dahisar. The move aims to ease congestion and provide relief to daily commuters. For motorists approaching the Samruddhi Expressway from the old Nashik Highway, a temporary route has been established. This involves a left turn at Aamne village near the Shangrila junction in Bhiwandi, followed by a U-turn via an underpass 600 metres ahead, allowing access to the Nagpur-bound arm of the expressway. This arrangement is expected to be in place for four to five months until the completion of a permanent cloverleaf junction as part of the Delhi-Mumbai expressway corridor.
These infrastructural advancements underscore Maharashtra’s commitment to developing a sustainable, efficient, and commuter-friendly transportation network. By addressing critical congestion points and enhancing long-distance travel capabilities, the state is taking significant steps toward fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for its residents.
Also Read : Mumbai Metro begins EV swaps at 31 station
