MMRDA fast-tracks ₹3,140-cr Eastern Freeway Extension Road

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has accelerated the construction of the Eastern Freeway extension project, extending from Ghatkopar to Thane, with four entry-exit ramps at a cost of ₹3,140 crore. The 14-km extension will have two lanes in each direction and entry-exit ramps at Chheda Nagar, Kanjurmarg, Airoli Bridge, and Mulund Octroi Naka. The locations for the four ramps have been chosen based on traffic volume that originates from these junctions and converges on the Eastern Express Highway. Construction is currently underway for the Chheda Nagar Junction flyover, which will eventually become part of the Eastern Freeway extension project. At the Thane end, there will be a toll post with 10 lanes (five in each direction) to prevent motorists from bypassing the toll naka at Mulund by taking the elevated road.

A significant portion of vehicular traffic enters or exits the Eastern Express Highway for the Mulund-Airoli link, Powai, Ghatkopar, Santa Cruz-Chembur Link Road, and Pune. At the Chheda Nagar junction, traffic coming from Pune and Navi Mumbai, as well as from the Santa Cruz-Chembur Link Road (SCLR), will be able to access the Freeway extension to head to Thane. The Eastern Freeway currently connects Orange Gate and Shivaji Nagar, a stretch of 16.4-km, and the extension will take its total length beyond 31 km. Once completed, road users will be able to travel from Thane to Yellow Gate in South Mumbai without encountering any signals.