Thane’s long-discussed plan to create a faster connection with Bhiwandi has taken a decisive step forward, with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) issuing a fresh tender for the Kolshet–Kalher creek bridge. The project, seen as a critical mobility upgrade for thousands of workers and transport operators, is designed to bring travel time between the two cities down to just seven minutes.
The bridge is being revived after the earlier contract was cancelled due to engineering constraints at the project site. Officials explained that the original alignment could not be executed safely, prompting a redesign and a more robust plan. The revised tender now proposes a six-lane, 2.2-kilometre structure, significantly longer than the earlier 1.64-kilometre version. The project cost has also risen, with the latest estimate standing at ₹430 crore. Transport planners say the upgraded design accommodates future traffic demand more effectively and is better suited to the geographical challenges of the creek. A senior MMRDA official said the new alignment aims to “ensure long-term resilience and meet the mobility needs of fast-growing industrial clusters”. The authority has set a construction period of 36 months, although preparatory design and environmental clearances may extend the overall timeline.
The Thane–Bhiwandi corridor remains one of the busiest freight and worker movement routes in the region. Bhiwandi’s logistics hubs and textile units contribute significantly to the metropolitan economy, generating a steady flow of heavy vehicles. Congestion on existing roads routinely leads to journeys stretching up to 45 minutes. Industry experts note that smoother connectivity is essential not only for commuter comfort but also for reducing fuel consumption, emissions, and operational delays. Urban mobility researchers point out that new infrastructure must support broader sustainability principles. In this case, the proposed bridge is expected to reduce bottlenecks, lower idling emissions, and distribute freight movement more evenly across the region. This aligns with the growing push for transport networks that minimise environmental impact while improving access and economic efficiency.
Residents and transport operators, however, may need to remain patient. Although the revived tender signals progress, construction will take several years, and any delays in approvals or land-related processes could push the completion date further. Local civic groups have also called for integrating the project with safer pedestrian and cycling facilities to ensure the new corridor supports inclusive mobility. Despite these challenges, planners see the creek bridge as an essential addition to the regional transport ecosystem. Once operational, it is expected to decongest arterial roads, improve freight turnaround time, and offer commuters a reliable, time-saving alternative. As Thane and Bhiwandi evolve into more interconnected economic nodes, the bridge could play a pivotal role in shaping a more seamless and environmentally responsible mobility future.
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