Thane footbridge linking Gaimukh Chowpatty and Metro lines gets clearance
Thane is preparing to add a crucial green mobility link with the approval of a foot over bridge connecting Gaimukh Chowpatty to Ghodbunder Road under Metro Lines 4 and 4A. The project has secured clearance from the state’s coastal authority, paving the way for construction that prioritises both pedestrian safety and environmental safeguards.
The proposed bridge will span the arterial Ghodbunder Road, which connects the Eastern and Western Express Highways and carries heavy daily traffic. Officials argue that the foot over bridge is vital to prevent accidents and congestion caused by pedestrians attempting to cross the busy corridor. Once the metro lines become operational in the next two years, pedestrian numbers are expected to surge sharply, further intensifying the demand for a safe crossing.
Current estimates suggest that Gaimukh Chowpatty already attracts around 800 visitors on weekdays and over 1,000 on weekends. With the metro extending to Kasarvadali and Gaimukh, the waterfront is projected to transform into a high-footfall recreational hub. The footbridge is therefore being positioned not only as an infrastructure project but also as a strategic move to enable sustainable urban growth without compromising commuter safety or the environment.
The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority has allowed the project under the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification of 2019, which permits bridges in CRZ-II areas provided they follow strict environmental conditions. Officials have stipulated that the number of piles in the mangrove belt must be minimised, no waste or debris can be dumped in the coastal zone, and construction labour camps must remain outside the regulated areas. In addition, the implementing agency will be required to obtain all other statutory approvals before breaking ground, ensuring adherence to green building practices.
For Thane, the approval underscores a broader urban development agenda of integrating transport efficiency with ecological responsibility. Metro Lines 4 and 4A are expected to shift thousands of commuters from private vehicles to public transit, significantly cutting carbon emissions, while the footbridge at Gaimukh Chowpatty demonstrates how infrastructure growth and environmental stewardship can move in tandem. The real challenge, however, will be to balance rapid urbanisation with the preservation of fragile ecosystems such as mangroves. If executed with due diligence, the project could emerge as a model for eco-friendly mobility in high-density coastal cities, where the need for safety, sustainability, and accessibility converge.
