Vadpe-Majiwada Stretch Expansion to Ease Congestion and Boost Thane Economy
Thane’s Highway Upgrade: A Strategic Solution for Bhiwandi’s Congested Roads
Thane’s traffic bottlenecks may soon be a thing of the past, thanks to the ongoing upgrade of the Vadpe-Majiwada stretch on the Old Mumbai-Nashik Highway. This ambitious project, spearheaded by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), is set to transform a crucial 23.8 km stretch into a modern eight-lane highway, designed to alleviate severe congestion caused by the daily movement of heavy goods vehicles, particularly from Bhiwandi’s sprawling warehouses.
For years, Bhiwandi, a major logistics hub in Maharashtra, has struggled with heavy truck traffic, making commuting through the region a time-consuming and frustrating experience. The new road development promises to bring much-needed relief by improving traffic flow, reducing delays, and ultimately boosting economic activity in the region. The Vadpe-Majiwada highway upgrade is designed with modern infrastructure in mind. The new eight-lane highway will include two-lane service roads on either side, ensuring smooth traffic flow for local commuters. The project is also set to feature ten underpasses at key locations such as Walshin, Sonale, Kharegaon, Yewali Flyover, Saravali, Pimplas, Ovali, Mankoli Motagaon, Dive Gaon near the petrol pump, and Dive. These underpasses are expected to play a critical role in easing the daily congestion caused by trucks entering and exiting Bhiwandi’s industrial areas. By providing an alternative route for commercial vehicles, the underpasses will significantly reduce gridlock and improve traffic conditions along the vital stretch of road. According to MSRDC officials, these underpasses will span a total of 8 km and are scheduled for completion by May 2025.
In addition to the underpasses, the highway upgrade will also see the construction of several critical bridges and flyovers. Notable structures include the Kasheli Creek Bridge (817.5 meters), Kalwa Creek Bridge (199 meters), Vadpe Flyover (320 meters), and a Railway Bridge (84.15 meters). These additions will further enhance connectivity and reduce the time spent in transit, particularly for commuters travelling between key regions in Thane and beyond. One of the most significant elements of the upgrade is its alignment with the soon-to-be-completed Samruddhi Mahamarg expressway. The expressway, which connects Igatpuri to Thane, is nearing completion, with only the final 76-km stretch left to finish. This stretch includes a 4.2-km spur linking to the under-construction Mumbai-Vadodara Expressway, which is set to drastically cut down travel time between Mumbai and Nagpur. With 98% of the Samruddhi Mahamarg’s work completed, this connection will provide smoother, faster access between the two regions, while also reducing the load on the Old Mumbai-Nashik Highway.
The completion of the Vadpe-Majiwada highway expansion, alongside the Samruddhi Mahamarg expressway, is expected to have a transformative impact on the region’s infrastructure. Not only will it alleviate congestion, but it will also stimulate local economic activity by improving transportation efficiency. With better road access, businesses in the area will benefit from quicker delivery times, reduced transportation costs, and improved connections to key urban centres. Moreover, the enhanced highway will likely encourage further industrial and commercial development along the corridor, attracting investment and creating new job opportunities. The MSRDC believes these projects will play a pivotal role in the region’s economic future, driving growth and improving the quality of life for its residents. The expansion of the Vadpe-Majiwada stretch of the Old Mumbai-Nashik Highway is a much-needed infrastructure project that will alleviate traffic congestion in Thane and Bhiwandi, two key regions in Maharashtra’s economic landscape. With the addition of underpasses, flyovers, and major bridges, the upgrade promises to enhance connectivity, reduce travel time, and support economic development. As the project progresses towards its completion in 2025, it is expected to play a critical role in improving the region’s transportation network and fostering long-term growth.
