March Deadline: The ₹1,180 Crore Fix for the Thane–Vadape Jam

Motorists on the Mumbai–Nashik Highway can soon expect much-needed relief as the widening project between Thane and Vadape approaches completion.

So far, 81 per cent of the 28.80-km stretch between Majiwada and Vadape has been widened, while 88 per cent of the 18.35-km-long service road is complete. Work is progressing steadily and is expected to be finished by the end of March, in line with the overall project timeline. Launched in June 2021, the project aims to expand the highway from four lanes to eight to ease chronic traffic congestion along this busy corridor.

The scope of work also includes the construction of four major bridges—the Vadape flyover, Pimpalner railway bridge, Kasheli creek bridge, and Kalwa creek bridge. The Kalwa creek bridge is expected to open shortly, with the remaining bridges likely to become operational within the next fortnight. In addition, ten underpasses are under construction, two of which are scheduled for completion by the end of February. A 38-lane toll plaza is also planned at Kharegaon to recover the project cost of ₹1,182.87 crore.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.