Project Snapshot
Work has finally begun on one of the most important road projects for Mumbai and Thane commuters. The Ghatkopar–Thane elevated freeway is being built in two phases:
- Phase 1 (Chheda Nagar, Ghatkopar → Anand Nagar, Thane/Mulund border)
A 12.95 km elevated road with 3+3 lanes, running above the Eastern Express Highway. Project cost is about ₹2,682 crore. Contractor: Navayuga Engineering. - Phase 2 (Anand Nagar → Saket/Kharegaon, Thane)
An 8.24 km elevated stretch, also 3+3 lanes, extending the corridor deeper into Thane. Project cost is ₹1,847.72 crore. Contractor: J Kumar Infraprojects.
Together, these two phases will create a signal-free spine from Ghatkopar to Saket, right up to the entry of the Mumbai–Nashik Expressway.
Why This Matters
For years, Thane has suffered because of one reality: all northbound and cross-city traffic is forced to pass through bottlenecks like Teen Haath Naka and Kopri. This project changes that.
- The Eastern Freeway, which today ends at Chheda Nagar, will extend directly into Thane.
- From Anand Nagar, the corridor continues elevated across Thane to Saket/Kharegaon, giving a clean exit to the Nashik side without dipping into local traffic.
- Commuters from South Mumbai to Thane can expect faster, more predictable travel times once both phases open.
What Improves for Thane
- Less congestion on local roads
Long-distance and intercity traffic will move above the city instead of choking Teen Haath Naka, Kopri, and service lanes on EEH. - Better regional access
Micro-markets like Ghodbunder Road, Majiwada–Kapurbawdi, Wagle Estate, Saket–Kasheli will see easier access and better logistics support. - Boost to real estate and business
When commutes get shorter, areas that were seen as “far” suddenly look practical. This is the kind of connectivity upgrade that pushes both housing demand and commercial viability. - Integrated urban planning
The project is tied into slum redevelopment at Ghatkopar (Ramabai Nagar, Kamraj Nagar), showing how infrastructure and housing are being planned together.
Things to Watch
- Construction disruptions: expect diversions, barricades, and slower movement on EEH till work progresses.
- Merge points: the real test will be how smoothly traffic merges at Saket/Kharegaon onto the Nashik corridor. Poor ramp design can eat into the promised time-savings.
- Execution pace: as with any big infra build, clearances and utility shifts will decide whether timelines are met.
Bottom Line (Editor’s Take)
This project is a game-changer for Thane. For the first time, the Eastern Freeway will not stop at Ghatkopar—it will reach our city. And with the second phase, traffic can move straight to Saket and Kharegaon without touching the worst choke points.
For commuters, this means time saved and smoother northbound travel. For residents and investors, it means Thane is now even better connected—not just to Mumbai, but to the wider region through the Mumbai–Nashik Expressway. In my view, this is one of those rare projects that truly reshapes how people see Thane as a place to live, work, and invest.
About the Editor
Arosh John is the Founder & Editor of Thane Real Estate News and the driving force behind John Real Estate (MahaRERA Reg. No. A51700001835). With over a decade of experience in the Thane property market, he has built a reputation for expert guidance in resale transactions, NRI investments, and premium real estate consulting.
Through Thane Real Estate News, Arosh brings readers fact-checked insights, infrastructure updates, and market trends—positioning himself as one of the most trusted voices on Thane’s growth story. His mission is to simplify real estate decisions for buyers, sellers, and investors by combining on-ground knowledge with transparent, research-driven reporting.
Disclaimer:
This post has been prepared after reviewing the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority’s executive committee resolution dated September 2024, which awarded:
- Phase 1 (Chheda Nagar → Anand Nagar): a 12.955 km, 6-lane elevated corridor to Navayuga Engineering (₹2,682 crore); and
- Phase 2 (Anand Nagar → Saket): an 8.24 km, 6-lane elevated road to J Kumar Infraprojects (₹1,847.72 crore).
On-ground construction, including site works for Phase 1, was visible as of April 2025. No further official updates regarding project design, contracts, or timelines have been published since. Readers are encouraged to refer to the MMRDA website for the latest information.
