Work on Thane-Belapur elevated corridor to begin after monsoon

Four years after the project idea was finalised, the construction work of the elevated corridor of the Thane Belapur road will now commence only after the monsoons. An underground tunnel along with the corridor has also been proposed on the same route for which the tenders were closed on May 17.

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority officials stated that the project will decongest the heavy traffic on 12.3 km Thane-Belapur road. After the completion of the project, motorist can avoid to take a detour via Mhape to go from Thane to Shil Phata.

According to the plan, the MMRDA will erect an elevated corridor (918 metres) and have a tunnel (1.7 km) to reduce the overall distance needed to travel between Thane-Shil Phata.

Speaking on the cutting down of travel distance through these corridor, Sanjay Kandhare, Additional Metropolitan Commissioner, said, "Currently, motorists travel around 12.3 kilometer to reach Shil Phata from Thane. Once the corridor and the tunnel work is completed, the travel distance will reduce to around 4 kilometer. The project will take two years to complete."

The elevated corridor has an estimated cost of Rs 135.21 crore, the overall project cost, including the tunnel will be around Rs 400 crore.

An MMRDA official told FPJ, "Homebuyers are shifting to the outskirts of Mumbai due to the increase in the property rates. Also, several companies have their offices in these areas. The project will be beneficial as there is a need for easing congestion on these roads."

According to the plan, six lanes would be constructed between Bharat Bijlee Ltd in Thane to Siemens Factory near Airoli. From the factory a four lane underground tunnel would be constructed connecting Shil Phata.