Mumbai: Construction of a 13.4-km-long elevated road from Chheda Nagar in Ghatkopar to Anand Nagar in Mulund East along the Eastern Express Highway (EEH) has begun, with initial activities such as soil testing and barricading already visible at several locations. The project, undertaken by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), is expected to cost Rs 3,314.40 crore and will include three lanes in each direction.
The elevated corridor aims to ease traffic congestion on the EEH, a crucial arterial road in Mumbai’s eastern suburbs. However, during the construction phase, especially once full-fledged work begins, motorists travelling on the EEH, particularly between Kanjurmarg East and the Mulund octroi naka, may face increased congestion during peak hours. Authorities have reportedly begun barricading the median along the stretch to facilitate the ongoing work.
Entry and exit points for the elevated road have been planned at key locations, including Chheda Nagar, Kanjurmarg, Airoli Bridge, and Mulund octroi naka. Once complete, the corridor is expected to significantly reduce travel time and improve traffic movement in the eastern suburbs.
Project Likely To Be Completed By 2028
The MMRDA awarded the project contract in late 2024, with a four-year completion deadline and an additional two-year maintenance clause for the contractor to address any post-construction defects. The project is scheduled for completion by December 2028.
Currently, geotechnical investigations are underway. Quoting a Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) official, Mid-Day reported that barricades have been installed along the Eastern Express Highway to facilitate geotechnical investigations. “At present, the investigation is focused on the stretch between the Airoli flyover and Vikhroli and will gradually extend up to Chheda Nagar,” the official said.
The report further states that the soil testing involves boring into the ground to analyze sub-surface strata for foundation design. “Once the soil data is obtained and examined, foundation work will commence,” the official added.
As the project progresses, motorists are advised to prepare for possible delays and follow alternate routes where possible. Authorities are expected to issue traffic advisories and updates periodically to minimize inconvenience.
