The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has begun work on the Rs 26.8 billion elevated corridor connecting Chheda Nagar near Chembur to Anand Nagar in Thane, marking a key extension of the Eastern Freeway. Project Overview The project forms part of MMRDA’s plan to provide a signal-free corridor between South Mumbai and Thane. The new elevated road will begin near the Eastern Freeway’s landing at Chheda Nagar in Ghatkopar and extend over 13.9 kilometres, passing through Ramabai Nagar, Vikhroli, Kanjurmarg, JVLR, Airoli, and Mulund, before terminating at Anand Nagar, Thane. Once complete, it will connect with the proposed Anand Nagar–Saket elevated corridor at Mulund Octroi Naka, further strengthening north-south connectivity. For south-bound commuters, two-lane entry and exit ramps have been planned near Mulund Check Naka, Airoli Junction, and Vikhroli Junction. Design and Features The six-lane corridor will feature three lanes in each direction across a 25-metre-wide superstructure, with each span measuring 40 metres. The elevated stretch is expected to cut travel time between South Mumbai and Thane to 20–25 minutes. Current Progress Preliminary survey and test piling work have been completed. The MMRDA has begun geotechnical investigations and utility identification, while pier casting has already commenced. According to officials, 5.38 per cent of physical work has been completed. The project will impact around 700 trees along the Eastern Express Highway, for which the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued public notices. Timeline Construction is expected to take four years, including 12 months for design and environmental clearance, followed by 36 months of civil execution. Official Statement Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, IAS, Metropolitan Commissioner, MMRDA, said, “Under the Mumbai in Minutes initiative, we are reimagining urban mobility across the metropolitan region. Once operational, this corridor will make travel from South Mumbai to Thane-Saket seamless and time-efficient. It will significantly reduce congestion and integrate the city’s road and metro networks, ensuring faster movement of people and goods.”