Thane's Kopri bridge to be opened for traffic today

The Kopri rail overbridge, an imporatant Thane-Mumbai connector, is all set to be opened for traffic today, on February 9 which also happens to be Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's birthday. Thane is also Shinde's bastion.

The widening of Kopri ROB, which is on the Eastern Express Highway, was taken up in 2018. The earlier bridge was four-lane wide and has now been widened to eight-lanes.

Reportedly, the work was carried out in two phases and the first phase was completed and opened for traffic in October 2021. The work for second phase was on and set to be complete by January 2023.

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority, that carried out the work, set the date for opening of February 9, stated a report in Midday.

The Opposition had made claims that the bridge that has been ready since past two weeks was not opened for public so CM Shinde could inaugurate the bridge on his birthday.

The Midday quoted Sena [UBT] leader Sanjay Ghadigaonkar saying that the work was completed 15 days ago but it was not opened despite public's struggle with traffic congestion. While another MNS leader said that, on Wednesday, he will visit the bridge and if it seems to be ready, he will 'open it in his style'.

MMRDA chief SVR Srinivas denied all allegations and said that minor works were yet to be completed.