The MMRDA has begun construction of the 13.9 km Elevated Eastern Freeway Extension, a fully elevated high-speed corridor linking Thane to Ghatkopar. The project aims to cut travel time between South Mumbai and Thane to under 30 minutes, ease congestion on the Eastern Express Highway and improve connectivity across the region, while incorporating major environmental safeguards.
The new freeway will run from Anand Nagar in Thane to Chheda Nagar in Ghatkopar. Along the way, it will connect key junctions at Mulund, Airoli, the Jogeshwari Vikhroli Link Road, Vikhroli, Kanjurmarg, Mankhurd and Ghatkopar. In Thane, the corridor will merge with the Anand Nagar to Saket Elevated Road near the former Mulund Octroi Naka. This will allow a seamless transition for motorists and form a continuous high speed route that also provides onward access to the Samruddhi Expressway. The corridor is also expected to support economic activity across the wider metropolitan region by improving freight and passenger movement.
As part of its sustainability commitments, MMRDA worked with environmental experts to review and refine the project route. This led to a realignment of the Vikhroli to Ghatkopar stretch to protect 127 Pink Trumpet trees. The agency has also announced a compensatory plantation drive of 4,175 new trees. The project includes several engineering firsts for the region. Among them is a single pile, single pier system, which MMRDA says is the first of its kind for an elevated road in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Key components include two point five metre diameter monopiles, robust piers, 40 metre spans and a 25 metre single segment superstructure. Up and down ramps are planned near Mulund Check Naka, the Airoli Junction and the Vikhroli Junction. A three lane toll plaza in each direction will be located near the Navghar Flyover.
Preliminary surveys, test piles and most geotechnical investigations have already been completed. Utility identification is substantially finished, and working piles along with pier casting are underway. Construction will now progress across multiple fronts to ensure timely delivery of the corridor.
