March 13, 2025

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Synopsis
The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has unveiled a INR 5,645 crore budget for 2025-26, prioritizing road repairs, public transport, and urban infrastructure. Key projects include the Balkum-Gaimukh Coastal Road (INR 3,364.62 crore) and the Thane-Borivali Tunnel (INR 16,600.40 crore), aimed at easing congestion and cutting travel time. The launch of 160 electric buses (INR 57 crore) and construction of nine metro foot overbridges further improve mobility. Other major initiatives include flyovers on Ghodbunder Road, Eastern Freeway extension (INR 2,900 crore), and an elevated road on the Eastern Express Highway (INR 1,275 crore). These developments will significantly enhance connectivity, reduce congestion, and boost Thane's infrastructure.

Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC)'s 2025-26 budget estimates has planned and approved several key projects to create a smoother and more efficient transport network for daily commuters. For the first time, the TMC has taken full responsibility for road repairs across the city after recognising that poor road conditions directly impact residents lives.

With no hike in taxes, the TMC unveiled its INR 5,645 crore budget for the financial year 2025-26, focusing on urban infrastructure, health, sanitation, education, and environmental sustainability. A significant portion of the budget was allotted to road repairs and public transport. To address road damage caused by utility work, INR 20 crore was allocated for restoration. Public transport received a boost with INR 57 crore raised through development charges and the launch of 160 electric buses to improve mobility and reduce pollution.

Among the flagship developments is the Balkum-Gaimukh Coastal Road, which has been conceptualised to reduce traffic on the heavily used Ghodbunder Road. The proposed road will span 13.44 kilometres in length and have a width of 40-45 metres, running parallel to Ghodbunder Road. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has already granted approval for the project, which carries an estimated cost of INR 3,364.62 crore. Construction will involve open-cut sections, embankment roads, and viaduct bridges. Approximately 54.29 hectares of land is required for the initiative, with 69.72% of this land already acquired.

Another pivotal venture is the Thane-Borivali Tunnel, set to pass beneath the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. This tunnel is expected to drastically cut travel times between Thane and Borivali, eliminating the need for the current 23-kilometre commute via Ghodbunder Road or the Eastern Express Highway. The forthcoming tunnel will extend 11.85 kilometres, of which 10.25 kilometres will be an underground passage. The project, which commenced in May last year, is estimated to cost INR 16,600.40 crore. Once operational, the tunnel is projected to reduce travel time between the two locations to just 10-15 minutes. The tunnel will also be linked to the Mumbai Coastal Road via an elevated corridor, further streamlining transit.

To improve pedestrian safety and accessibility, nine foot overbridges (FOBs) are under construction along the Wadala-Kasarvadavali-Gaimukh Metro corridor. The MMRDA has begun work on these structures to ensure safe and convenient access to metro stations. In addition, existing FOBs along Ghodbunder Road are being integrated with metro stations, enabling seamless movement for pedestrians.

Improvements are also underway along Thane Ghodbunder Road. The service roads flanking both sides of the main thoroughfare are being merged with the principal carriageway to widen the road and minimise congestion. Furthermore, the MMRDA has laid out plans to construct flyovers beneath the Metro line at key junctions along Ghodbunder Road, intended to ensure smoother traffic flow.

Another significant project involves the extension of the Eastern Freeway. The current freeway terminates at Ghatkopar, compelling vehicles travelling towards Nashik and Ghodbunder Road to navigate through Thane congested zones. To resolve this, a 14-kilometre elevated road will be developed from Kopri Toll Naka to Kanhaiya Nagar and onward to Saket, where it will merge with the Coastal Road. Sanctioned by the MMRDA, this project carries an estimated cost of INR 2,900 crore.

Additionally, an 8.25-kilometre elevated road is planned along the Eastern Express Highway, between Anand Nagar and Saket. The three-lane corridor, with a projected expenditure of INR 1,275 crore, will allow vehicles coming from Mumbai to bypass the core areas of Thane city, aiming to ease congestion and reduce vehicular pollution.

In an effort to enhance connectivity between Kopri, Wagle Estate, and Thane, a new underpass has recently been opened. This alternative route is expected to relieve traffic pressure at the heavily congested Teen Haath Naka junction. Moreover, a new suburban railway station is under construction near Kopri and is anticipated to be completed by late 2025. The station will offer a direct link between Thane East and West, significantly improving access to the upgraded suburban rail network.

Thane's forthcoming road infrastructure projects mark a significant step towards addressing chronic traffic congestion and enhancing connectivity for its residents. With multiple projects either already underway or in the pipeline, the city's transport landscape is set for major improvements. Once completed, these developments are likely to redefine the way people travel in and around Thane, promoting ease of movement and boosting regional growth.

Source: propnewstime.com

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