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Over the past few decades, Thane has witnessed massive growth. The crowds in public transport brought Ghodbunder Road, once considered distant and on the outskirts of Thane, to the centre of this development story. The subsequent real estate boom ensured that Ghodbunder Road became ‘the’ way to travel for officegoing millennials. But this also brought along the common urban problem – traffic congestion. Consequently, the Ghodbunder area is getting new infrastructure projects to boost connectivity and ease travel. A look at some of the key projects that will change Thane’s landscape and commuting pattern. 1. Mumbai Metro Line 4 (Wadala-Kasarvadavli via Ghodbunder Road): This elevated metro line, a vital east-west transit artery, is nearing completion. A major milestone was achieved earlier this year, when a massive 48-meter steel span was installed at Kapurbawadi Junction, near Majiwada — ensuring continued work despite ongoing traffic and monsoon challenges. The line promises to reduce commute times by up to 75% and includes 30 elevated stations, one of which (Kapurbawadi) will serve as a key interchange with Line 5. ALSO READ | Wadala To Thane Metro Is Longest Elevated Line In Mumbai: What Are The Challenges? 2. Ghodbunder Road widening: To address chronic congestion, the service roads on both sides of Ghodbunder Road are being merged into the main carriageway, effectively expanding it into a six-lane highway. Many, however, have raised safety concerns. 3. Balkum-Gaimukh Coastal Road: A dedicated 13.44-km coastal arterial road is underway parallel to Ghodbunder Road. This 40-45 m wide corridor, budgeted at Rs 3,364 crore, will feature viaducts and open-cut sections to provide an alternative east-west route, significantly relieving Ghodbunder Road congestion. ठाणेकरांचे मेट्रोचे स्वप्न साकार..! वडाळा ते गायमुख दरम्यान तयार होत असलेल्या मेट्रो – ४ तसेच गायमुख ते विजय गार्डन या मेट्रो – ४ अ मार्गावरील मेट्रोची ट्रायल रन आज घेण्यात आली. मुख्यमंत्री देवेंद्र फडणवीस यांच्यासह या मार्गावर प्रवास करून ही ट्रायल रन यशस्वीपणे… pic.twitter.com/ramK5oceT6 — Eknath Shinde – एकनाथ शिंदे (@mieknathshinde) September 22, 2025 4. Thane-Borivali Tunnel: Running beneath the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, this ambitious tunnel—stretching nearly 12 km — is under construction. Once completed, travel time between Thane and Borivali will be reduced to just 10-15 minutes. 5. Tunnel + Elevated Road Connecting Thane-Bhayander: MMRDA has received bids for a dual-connectivity project featuring a 5.5 km tunnel from Gaimukh to Fountain Hotel Junction and a 9.8-km elevated road connecting to Mira-Bhayander. Estimated at Rs 20,000 crore, both components aim to complete the regional ring road and decongest the Ghodbunder corridor. The Supreme Court has directed coordination for re-tendering amid legal challenges. ALSO READ | Thane To Navi Mumbai Airport: Take These Roads, Trains, Double-Decker Corridor Or Metros 6. FoBs and passenger bays under Metro 4: Following concerns over safety and accessibility—like staircase exits leading onto busy expanded roadways — the service lanes beneath elevated Metro 4 stations are being converted into passenger bays for buses, autos, and taxis. 7. Pod taxi project: A futuristic pod taxi system is in the works for Thane to supplement the metro network. Covering roughly 52 km with around 63 stations and affordable fares (Rs 30 per stage), it will run on a PPP model. It is designed to ease local connectivity and be eco-friendly, though some residents question its practicality amid existing infrastructure challenges. ALSO READ | Thane-Navi Mumbai Airport Elevated Road Travel Will Be Costlier Than Atal Setu: Toll Rates Compared 8. NaMo Grand Central Park (near Kolshet Road): While not directly on Ghodbunder, the newly opened NaMo Grand Central Park — a 20.5-acre urban green space located on nearby Kolshet Road — offers recreational value to the surrounding area. It features themed gardens, a lake, jogging paths, sports courts, and more.
