In a significant step to tackle severe traffic congestion on Ghodbunder Road in Thane, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has issued a tender for an extensive road expansion project. This ambitious initiative, approved earlier this month during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, aims to mitigate the extensive gridlock faced by commuters. The proposed development involves constructing a 15.5-kilometre stretch from Gaimukh in Thane to Bhayandar. This project will feature a dual approach: an underground tunnel from Gaimukh to the Fountain Hotel Junction and an elevated road from the Fountain Hotel Junction to Bhayandar. The total projected cost is approximately Rs 200 billion, designed to accommodate the increasing volume of traffic. Prospective contractors are required to submit an earnest money deposit of Rs 411.4 million for the tunnel construction and Rs 284.8 million for the elevated road work. Each segment of the project is expected to be completed within four-and-a-half years, including a two-year defect liability period.