Maharashtra Leads the Nation in Infrastructure Projects – Chief Minister Eknath Shinde

Inauguration of the Northbound Lane of Thane Creek Bridge-3 and Foundation Laying for Seven Creek Bridges in Konkan

Thane : Chief Minister Eknath Shinde stated at Vashi today that Maharashtra leads the country in infrastructure development, with projects underway throughout the state. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) is undertaking projects worth nearly ₹2 lakh crore.

The Chief Minister was speaking during the inauguration of the northbound lane of the Thane Creek Bridge No. 3 on the Sion-Panvel Highway, along with the foundation laying for seven creek bridges on the Rewas (Raigad) to Redi (Sindhudurg) coastal highway.

Public Works Minister Dadaji Bhuse, former MP Rahul Shewale, and several senior officials, including Manisha Mhaiskar-Patankar, Additional Chief Secretary of the Public Works Department, and Anil Kumar Gaikwad, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of MSRDC, were present.

The ceremony saw the inauguration of the northbound lane of Thane Creek Bridge No. 3, along with the foundation laying for seven creek bridges at Dharamtar, Kundalika, Aagardanda, Bankot, Kelshi, Jaigad, and Kunkeshwar on the Rewas-Redi coastal highway via video conferencing. The local inauguration ceremonies for each bridge were conducted by local representatives.

The total length of these seven creek bridges is 26.70 kilometers, with an approved budget of ₹7,851 crores. The Chief Minister noted that the long-standing demand for these bridges, dating back to the state’s formation, is now being fulfilled, which will enhance the development of Konkan and boost tourism.

He added that MSRDC plans to establish a 5,000-kilometer grid network of expressways across the state, reducing travel time to 6-7 hours between any two regions. The MSRDC is also working on the Konkan Greenfield Expressway, which will reduce the travel time between Mumbai and Konkan to just five hours upon completion.

Public Works Minister Dadaji Bhuse expressed confidence that the three-lane northbound bridge would ease traffic congestion. He also noted that work on the southbound bridge is progressing rapidly, and today’s simultaneous foundation laying of the seven creek bridges marks a significant step toward the development of the coastal region.

The northbound lane of the Thane Creek Bridge will open for traffic on October 14, 2024.

Project Details:

• Thane Creek Bridge No. 3 on the Sion-Panvel Highway:
  • Two bridges, each with three lanes (northbound completed, southbound 80% complete).
  • Total cost: ₹559 crores.
  • Length: 3,180 meters (including approach roads).
  • The northbound bridge will open on October 14, 2024.
• Rewas to Redi Coastal Highway:
  • Total length: 498 kilometers.
  • Important for tourism, connecting all coastal destinations on the Konkan coastline with a high-speed road network similar to California.

Details of the Seven Creek Bridges:

1. Dharamtar Creek Bridge (Rewas-Karanja section):
   • Length: 10.20 kilometers.
   • Cost: ₹3,057 crores.
   • Type: Steel Bridge.
2. Kundalika Creek Bridge (Revdanda-Salav section):
   • Length: 3.82 kilometers.
   • Cost: ₹1,736 crores.
   • Type: Cable-Stayed.
3. Aagardanda Creek Bridge (Dighi-Aagardanda section):
   • Length: 4.31 kilometers.
   • Cost: ₹1,315 crores.
   • Type: Cable-Stayed.
4. Bankot Creek Bridge (Bagmandla-Veshvi section):
   • Length: 1.711 kilometers.
   • Cost: ₹408 crores.
   • Type: Cable-Stayed.
5. Kelshi Creek Bridge:
   • Length: 670 meters.
   • Cost: ₹148 crores.
   • Type: Box Girder.
6. Jaigad Creek Bridge:
   • Length: 4.40 kilometers.
   • Cost: ₹930 crores.
   • Type: Cable-Stayed.
7. Kunkeshwar Bridge:
   • Length: 1,580 meters.
   • Cost: ₹257 crores.
   • Type: Cable-Stayed.