Thane to Navi Mumbai in minutes? New six-lane cable-stayed bridge to cut travel time

June 19, 2026

The proposed 1.4 km bridge is expected to ease pressure on the existing Airoli-Mulund Creek Bridge and the Kalwa Creek Bridge, the two major links between the neighbouring cities

A new six-lane cable-stayed bridge across Thane Creek is set to give commuters travelling between Thane and Navi Mumbai a major connectivity boost, easing pressure on existing routes between the two cities.

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has initiated work on the bridge connecting Kopri in Thane East with Patni in Navi Mumbai, according to a report by The Indian Express

The proposed 1.4 km bridge, for which bids were invited on Tuesday, is expected to ease pressure on the existing Airoli-Mulund Creek Bridge and the Kalwa Creek Bridge, the two major links between the neighbouring cities, the report said. Once completed, the crossing is expected to significantly cut travel time between the two sides of the creek, particularly during peak hours.

The bridge will begin at Mith Bandar Road in Kopri, around 750 metres from Thane railway station, cross Thane Creek and land near Airoli Knowledge City Road in Navi Mumbai, as per the report. It will provide a direct link between Thane Station Road and the busy Thane-Belapur Road corridor.

The project, planned as a six-lane cable-stayed bridge, is expected to take around three and a half years to complete, with the target date set for 2030, the report noted.

An MMRDA official explained that Thane-Belapur Road has seen significant IT and industrial development along it, besides providing access to JNPT, the Nashik Highway and other important nodes, the report quoted the official as saying. The official added that there has been a marked rise in traffic on the creek bridges connecting to the road, which is why the new bridge is needed.

According to traffic studies carried out for the project, around 51,000 vehicles use Thane-Belapur Road daily, while nearly 30,000 vehicles pass through the Airoli-Mulund Creek Bridge every day, the report said. Based on projected demand, MMRDA estimates that more than 1,900 vehicles could use the new bridge every hour during peak traffic periods.

The bridge is also being planned as part of a larger transport network, the report added. In the future, it will connect to the proposed Thane Coastal Road and CIDCO's elevated corridor leading to the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), creating a direct route from Thane to the upcoming airport.

Given its location, MMRDA is also placing emphasis on the structure's design, the report noted. Project documents state that a cable-stayed bridge would provide a distinct visual identity while serving as a gateway into Thane for travellers arriving from the Navi Mumbai airport.

Officials said the project is expected to improve east-west connectivity in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and provide an alternative route for commuters and freight traffic moving between Thane, Navi Mumbai and key economic corridors in the region, as per the report.

Source: www.moneycontrol.com

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