MUMBAI: The Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA) has decided to extend the Eastern Freeway to Thane. The decision was taken in a board meeting of MMRDA headed by Eknath Shinde, Minister of Urban Development, Government of Maharashtra. It is expected to make travel seamless between Mumbai and Thane.
The existing freeway runs from South Mumbai to Shivaji Nagar in Chembur, but it runs into traffic near Thane. So far, the Freeway has contributed significantly to faster traffic movement from South Mumbai to the Central Suburbs of Chembur and Ghatkopar. The freeway will be extended from Chheda Nagar to Anand Nagar under the new plan. From there onwards, an elevated road between Anand Nagar and Saket will be built. Plan also involves a creek road bypassing the busy Ghodbunder Road.
Kopri-Patani bridge and Kharegaon bypass road also received an in-principle approval at the meeting. The Kharegaon bypass road will be designed to decongest traffic in areas like Kalwa, Vitava, and Kharegaon.