Navi Mumbai: Frustration Grows as Mumbai-Bound Third Vashi Bridge Remains Unopened Despite Completion
Navi Mumbai, 7th May 2025: Despite the completion of the Mumbai-bound stretch of the third Vashi Creek Bridge, frustration is mounting among commuters and traffic police as the much-anticipated flyover remains unopened, intensifying daily traffic jams at the Vashi toll plaza. While authorities had promised an imminent inauguration and even speculated about a virtual launch by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the opening has been repeatedly delayed, leaving motorists and on-duty officers to bear the brunt of severe congestion.
The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) confirmed that construction on the Mumbai-bound section is finished, with only final touches pending, and officials have indicated the bridge will open soon after the ongoing Assembly session. However, daily commuters are increasingly impatient as eleven lanes of traffic from Navi Mumbai are forced into just two lanes at the toll, causing long queues and tempers to flare.
Traffic police stationed at the site report growing anger from drivers, who often direct their frustration at officers rather than authorities responsible for the delay. The situation is particularly acute during peak hours, with the completed bridge’s continued closure undermining efforts to relieve congestion that has plagued the corridor for years.
The third Vashi Creek Bridge project, part of a broader infrastructure push to expand connectivity between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, is expected to add six new lanes, significantly easing traffic once operational. Until then, the lack of clarity and repeated postponements have left both commuters and officials demanding urgent action to open the bridge and deliver long-promised relief.
