Mumbai: The Mumbai-bound section of the Thane Creek Bridge (popularly known as the Vashi Bridge) is nearing completion and is expected to open by the end of February, as per reports. This comes just two months after the Navi Mumbai-bound section of the project was opened to motorists on October 13. This development is anticipated to remarkably ease traffic on the vital Vashi Bridge corridor, which sees approximately 64,300 vehicles crossing daily within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
Currently, two bridges facilitate vehicular movement across this stretch. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) constructed the new bridge, marking it as the fourth structure spanning the creek. It forms a crucial part of the state’s long-term plan to decongest this high-traffic route.
2 Bridges Already Exist On The Creek
The first bridge, built in 1973, is a two-lane structure that has been closed to regular traffic for nearly two decades due to safety concerns, though it occasionally features as a backdrop in Bollywood films. The second bridge, operational since 1997, is a six-lane structure (three lanes in each direction).
However, the rapid growth of the population and vehicle density in Greater Mumbai and Navi Mumbai has overwhelmed its capacity, resulting in major traffic bottlenecks. This issue has been further aggravated by the Sion–Panvel Highway’s expansion to 10 lanes.
To address these persistent challenges, the MSRDC commenced work on twin creek bridges in 2020, awarding the Rs 559 crore project to Larsen & Toubro. Together, the two bridges span a total of 3.14 kilometres and flank the older 1997 structure. The newly opened Navi Mumbai-bound bridge has already improved traffic flow, and the Mumbai-bound bridge is expected to enhance connectivity further.
Details On The Project's Progress
According to a Hindustan Times report, the megastructure of the Mumbai-bound bridge is complete, with final touches, including the installation of crash barriers, expansion joints, lighting and electrical systems, underway. “We are looking at completing all the works by February-end, after which the bridge will be opened for traffic,” MSRDC Managing Director Anil Kumar Gaikwad told HT.
Once operational, the new Mumbai-bound bridge will increase the total crossing capacity to 12 lanes, six in each direction, ensuring smoother and more efficient travel between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. This expansion is expected to play a pivotal role in reducing congestion and accommodating the growing transportation demands of the region.
