Thane is on the brink of a significant infrastructural transformation with the introduction of a major tunnelled road project designed to address the chronic congestion on Ghodbunder Road. The project, which has recently moved into the tendering phase, promises to alleviate one of the most pressing traffic issues in the Thane region.
The ambitious development will span approximately 15 kilometres, comprising both tunnel and flyover sections to streamline traffic flow between Gaimukh and Bhayander. The plan outlines a 5.5-kilometre tunnel extending from Gaimukh to Bhayander, complemented by a 9.8-kilometre flyover that will extend from Bhayander to Fountain Hotel. This strategic combination of tunnel and elevated road is intended to provide a seamless and efficient route, bypassing the heavily congested Ghodbunder Road. The estimated completion time for this intricate project is six years, reflecting the scale and complexity involved.
A significant factor driving this development is the need to preserve the region’s mangroves, which would have been threatened by a conventional at-grade road expansion. The new tunnelled approach not only mitigates environmental impact but also addresses the growing traffic demands exacerbated by ongoing urbanisation in Mumbai and Thane. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) highlights that this project is crucial for integrating the region into the broader ring road system currently under development.
The existing congestion, exacerbated by the forthcoming Thane Coastal Road project, necessitates a solution that can handle increasing traffic volumes. The tunnelled road aims to bridge a critical gap in the transportation network, significantly improving connectivity between Thane and its neighbouring areas. The decision to opt for a tunnelled and elevated road rather than traditional road expansion reflects a sophisticated understanding of the region’s geographical and environmental challenges.
