Mumbai, May 21: The Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the much-delayed Kopari rail overbridge in Thane (suburban Mumbai) on Monday. The work of the bridge was stalled from the last 13-years. CM Fadnavis laid the foundation stone to commence the work. The proposed rail overbridge is expected to provide major traffic relief to commuters.

The work of the bridge was earlier proposed in the year 2005 however, due to various permissions and lack of funds the work got delayed. The work is divided into two phases- in the first 18 months, the two lanes on either side of the bridge will be taken up, while in the next  18-months time the existing two lanes will be demolished and restructured. The 65-metre portion of the bridge falls under the jurisdiction of railways. Therefore, permission has also been sought from railway authorities.

During the day, CM Fadnavis also inaugurated Ghansoli-Talavli flyover, underpass at Mahape and Savita Chemical flyover constructed on Thane-Belapur road. The total length of the flyover is 1.4 km and it is built at the cost of Rs 155 crore.

Besides, it also performed Bhumipujan (laid foundation) for proposed elevated road and tunnel connecting Thane-Belapur road and NH4. The length of the elevated road and tunnel is 3.5 km. The elevated road will take around 40 months for completion. The new road is expected to reduce traffic congestion in Airoli, Navi Mumbai.

The work of the Kopari bridge will begin by this month end. It will create more traffic congestion in Thane and adjoining roads of suburban Mumbai, as already the repair work of Mumbra Bypass has been taken up by the Public Work Department (PWD). Meanwhile, the Thane traffic Department has been asked by the state government to provide an alternate route for traffic diversions.

 

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 21, 2018 08:05 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).