Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday laid the foundation stone for the ₹200-crore Teen Hath Naka Traffic Improvement Project, a major infrastructure initiative aimed at easing congestion at one of Thane's busiest road junctions. The project, which is expected to be completed within 18 months, forms part of a broader plan to improve connectivity and reduce travel time across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
Addressing officials from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), Shinde stressed the need for faster execution of infrastructure projects. He urged authorities to maintain an "accelerator-on-the-pedal" approach, emphasizing that development work should move ahead without unnecessary delays linked to ceremonial inaugurations.
📍 #ठाणे |
— Eknath Shinde - एकनाथ शिंदे (@mieknathshinde) July 26, 2026
ठाणे शहरातील पूर्व द्रुतगती मार्गावरील तीन हात नाका येथील वाहतूक कोंडीवर कायमस्वरूपी उपाय म्हणून आकारास येत असलेल्या तीन हात नाका वाहतूक सुधारणा प्रकल्पाचे भूमिपूजन आज संपन्न झाले. सर्वसामान्य ठाणेकरांसाठी हा एक स्वप्नपूर्तीचा क्षण ठरला.
ठाणे शहरातील तीन हात नाका या… pic.twitter.com/B3aRfPJdC8
Teen Hath Naka is a crucial traffic junction where vehicles from seven different directions converge, resulting in heavy congestion, particularly during peak hours. According to MMRDA, the project has been designed with technical inputs from European urban infrastructure consultants, who have mapped underground utilities—including water pipelines, gas lines and fuel networks—to ensure seamless construction and traffic management.
The centerpiece of the project is a 2.76-kilometre elevated signal-free corridor that will significantly improve traffic flow. It includes a 1.9-kilometre U-shaped flyover beginning at Hariniwas on LBS Road, merging with the Eastern Express Highway, running parallel to the existing Teen Hath Naka flyover toward Anand Nagar, before looping back and connecting to Modella Junction.
Additional infrastructure includes a 120-metre connector to the Mumbai-bound lane of the existing flyover and a 720-metre elevated link that will connect with the proposed elevated approach to the new Thane railway station.
Once completed, four of the seven major traffic movements at Teen Hath Naka will become completely signal-free. Officials estimate that signal waiting time, which can currently stretch up to 15 minutes during peak hours, will be reduced to around 15 seconds. The project is expected to benefit commuters travelling towards Mumbai, Nashik, Naupada, Wagle Estate, Kopri and the upcoming Thane railway station.
Shinde also highlighted several other infrastructure projects that are expected to reshape transportation in Thane.
Among them is the Thane Coastal Road and Eastern Freeway Extension, which will feature an elevated corridor connecting Kheda Nagar, Anand Nagar, Saket, Gaimukh and Fountain Hotel. The route is designed to divert heavy commercial and inter-city traffic arriving from Ahmedabad, Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT) and Mumbai away from Thane's internal roads, helping reduce congestion and vehicular pollution.
Construction is also progressing on the Thane-Borivali twin tunnel beneath Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Once operational, the tunnel is expected to cut travel time between Thane and Borivali from nearly two hours to just 20 minutes, significantly improving east-west connectivity.
In another step toward modern urban mobility, foundation work has begun on Thane's proposed Pod Taxi network. The system is planned to connect residential neighborhoods with transport hubs, hospitals and commercial centres, offering residents a convenient last-mile transport option.
Shinde also announced that the structural construction of Thane's 900-bed super-specialty civic hospital has been completed. The state-of-the-art facility will include an integrated helipad to support air ambulance services, enabling faster emergency medical transport for critically ill patients.
Emphasizing timely execution, Shinde directed officials and contractors to complete all ongoing projects within their scheduled timelines, stating that efficient infrastructure delivery is essential for supporting Thane's rapid urban growth and improving the quality of life for residents.
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