Ghodbunder Road Infrastructure Future Uncertain Amid Widening Project.

A significant conflict between ongoing infrastructure projects on Thane's Ghodbunder Road has raised concerns about the future of several public facilities, including Metro station landings, foot overbridges (FoBs), and bus shelters. The issue stems from the highway widening project, which threatens structures positioned on medians slated for removal.

A recent survey along the stretch between Bhayanderpada and Kapurbawdi revealed that landings for three Metro 4 stations – at Bhayanderpada, Owala, and Panchamrut – are nearing completion and are located on medians designated for dismantling as part of the widening work. While these three are almost built, the remaining 25 of the total 28 planned Metro entry/exit structures on Ghodbunder highway are yet to be constructed.

The situation is particularly ironic as both the Metro 4 line and the Ghodbunder highway widening project are being executed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), leading to questions about inter-project planning and coordination.

Existing infrastructure is also at risk. Locals and traffic police have voiced concerns that the current FoBs at Manpada and Tatwagyan Vidyapeeth, which also land on medians, may need costly extensions or relocation. Newly installed decorative bus shelters along the highway median could also face dismantling.

The timeline of the projects highlights the potential planning gap: the Metro 4 project began planning and execution in 2017, while the proposal for the Ghodbunder highway extension was initiated later in 2023, with work commencing last year.

An MMRDA statement confirmed that the design for 28 out of 30 Metro entry/exit structures on the highway segment specified them landing on the median between the main road and service lanes. However, a response from MMRDA regarding the fate of these structures once the medians are removed is still awaited.

A local resident critically noted the potential waste of public funds, stating, "Either these structures will be razed, or pedestrians will have to dangerously cross the highway to access them - both outcomes waste taxpayer money." Thane traffic police acknowledged the potential negative impact on pedestrian access but indicated they had not yet received any briefing on corrective measures.

Taking cognizance of the issue, Transport Minister and local MLA Pratap Sarnaik stated he has addressed the matter with MMRDA officials. "I will ensure the FoBs at Tatwagyan and Manpada are extended to reach the footpaths," Sarnaik said, adding that future FoBs would be designed to land at the highway's outer edges. He also acknowledged that the Metro bridge landing points "will also need to be looked into."

This is not the first time such a conflict has arisen during the Metro 4 project. Previously, TOI had reported how the Metro construction threatened five FoBs between Modella Check Naka and Manpada, which MMRDA ultimately preserved. Whether a similar resolution can be found for the current set of conflicting structures remains uncertain.