The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has officially begun construction of the 13.9‑km Elevated Eastern Freeway Extension, a fully elevated six‑lane high‑speed corridor from Anand Nagar in Thane to Chheda Nagar in Ghatkopar, designed to cut travel time between South Mumbai and Thane to just 25–30 minutes and ease chronic congestion on the Eastern Express Highway.

Preliminary surveys, test piles and most geotechnical investigations are complete, with piling and pier casting currently in progress, and work is moving ahead under a contract awarded in late 2024.

According to official project details, the freeway’s design and environmental clearances are followed by a 36‑month construction schedule, suggesting the road could be ready by late 2028 or early 2029 if progress continues on plan, offering a major boost to connectivity across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

Route and Connectivity

The corridor will start at Anand Nagar in Thane and terminate at Chheda Nagar in Ghatkopar. Key connections along the route include Mulund, Airoli, JVLR, Vikhroli, Kanjurmarg, Mankhurd, and Ghatkopar.

At Thane, the freeway will merge with the Anand Nagar–Saket Elevated Road near the former Mulund Octroi Naka, forming a continuous high-speed corridor with onward access to the Samruddhi Expressway.

Innovative Construction Features

This project introduces a first-of-its-kind single-pile, single-pier system in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The structure will be supported by 2.5-metre diameter monopiles, 40-metre spans, and a 25-metre single-segment superstructure.

Additional infrastructure includes up-and-down ramps at Mulund Check Naka, Airoli Junction, and Vikhroli Junction, as well as a 3+3 lane elevated toll plaza near the Navghar Flyover.

Environmental Initiatives

In consultation with environmental experts, the MMRDA has realigned the Vikhroli-Ghatkopar stretch to save 127 Pink Trumpet trees. A total of 4,175 trees will be planted as compensatory green cover, reflecting the agency’s commitment to sustainable development while improving urban mobility.

Benefits for Commuters and the City

Once completed, the Elevated Eastern Freeway Extension is expected to significantly enhance traffic flow, reduce emissions, and provide a faster, safer, and greener commute for lakhs of citizens.

The project is also anticipated to boost economic activity across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region by improving connectivity between residential, commercial, and industrial hubs.

Project Status

Preliminary surveys and test pile construction have been completed, and geotechnical investigations are largely done, marking an important step forward in Mumbai’s urban infrastructure development.

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