The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) on Friday announced that 50 per cent of the foundation work for the elevated viaduct of the Thane Coastal Road project has been completed.
Construction activity is now moving ahead on pier caps and girder erection, marking visible progress on one of the region’s most closely watched infrastructure projects. Once complete, the 13.45-kilometre, six-lane coastal road is expected to significantly ease traffic movement between Kharegaon in Kalwa and Gaimukh in Thane.
The project carries an estimated cost of Rs. 2,272 crore and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2028.
A Long-Awaited Alternative to Ghodbunder Road
Currently, commuters travelling between Kharegaon and Gaimukh depend largely on the Ghodbunder Road. The stretch has long been associated with heavy congestion, poor road conditions and frequent movement of heavy vehicles, often resulting in delays.
The upcoming coastal road is designed to function as an alternative corridor, aiming to decongest Ghodbunder Road and improve overall connectivity within Thane.
According to officials, once operational, the new road is expected to reduce travel time between the two points from more than 40 minutes to approximately 15 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
For daily commuters, that reduction could translate into significant time savings and smoother journeys.
Designed With Environmental Sensitivity
Given its alignment along the Vasai Creek, the project has required careful planning to minimise ecological disruption, particularly to mangrove ecosystems.
To limit environmental impact, the elevated stretch is being constructed using a single pier design. This approach reduces the number of foundations within sensitive zones and helps preserve mangrove cover along the creek.
Infrastructure projects along coastal and creek areas often face scrutiny over environmental implications. The adoption of a single pier design reflects an attempt to balance connectivity needs with ecological considerations.
Integrated With Future Infrastructure
Beyond easing traffic between two points, the Thane Coastal Road is being planned as part of a larger network of interconnected infrastructure.
At Gaimukh, the road will connect to the Gaimukh Fountain Hotel tunnel. At the Kharegaon end, it will link with the Mumbai-Nashik Highway (NH 160). Officials have also indicated that the corridor will integrate with other proposed projects, including the Thane Ring Metro, Thane Coastal Road 2, the Saket-Aamne Elevated Corridor and the Kasarvadavali-Kharbhav Road.
Such integration is expected to enhance mobility across Thane and improve access to surrounding regions.
Urban planners have increasingly emphasised the need for multi-layered transport networks rather than standalone projects. The coastal road’s planned linkages suggest an effort to create a more cohesive transportation grid.
A Project to Watch Until 2028
With half of the foundation work completed and superstructure work now underway, the Thane Coastal Road has entered a crucial construction phase. Over the next few years, progress on girder erection and deck construction will determine whether timelines remain on track.
If delivered as planned by 2028, the corridor could reshape commuting patterns in Thane, particularly for residents who currently navigate daily bottlenecks along Ghodbunder Road.
For now, the promise of a 15-minute coastal shortcut remains under construction, steadily taking shape above the creek waters.
