The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has announced a tender for a 6.3-kilometre elevated road in Thane, connecting Anand Nagar and Saket on the Eastern Express Highway (EEH). This project, costing Rs 16.99 billion, is slated to be completed in four years, aiming to alleviate traffic congestion on the city's major roads.

An official from the MMRDA highlighted, "The proposed road is expected to significantly smoothen traffic flow in the city." The new elevated road, featuring six lanes, will enhance traffic movement from Samruddhi Mahamarg and the Mumbai Nashik highway.

Thane is poised for substantial infrastructure growth with several major projects in the pipeline. Under Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's tenure, Thane, his home turf, has witnessed numerous infrastructure initiatives. The Anand Nagar-Saket elevated road, approved in 2023, is a key part of this development push.

The Thane Municipal Corporation had sought permissions for this project, and the MMRDA will handle the construction, making it a crucial part of Thane's first coastal highway project. Additionally, the MMRDA is constructing another elevated road from Ghatkopar to Thane along the EEH, linking Thane to the Eastern Freeway. Another significant project is the second coastal road from Gaimukh to Balkum.

In a recent MMRDA meeting, the executive committee approved a tunnel from Gaimukh to Fountain Hotel, connecting Thane district with Palghar district, and an elevated road from Fountain Hotel to Bhayander. Consultants have been called to design these projects and obtain environmental permissions, with an expected completion timeline of five and a half years.

These infrastructure projects are crucial as traffic in Thane is anticipated to increase significantly. The operational Vadhavan port is expected to draw more business-related travel to the area. The Mumbai Vadodara Expressway will help divert heavy traffic, while the Thane Borivali Twin Tunnel and Mulund Goregaon Tunnel will improve East-West connectivity, easing the overall traffic burden in Thane.