Thane: MMRDA Plans 7.3-km Coastal Road-2 to Ease Traffic Congestion, Awaits CRZ Clearance

Mumbai, 3rd August 2026: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has proposed the construction of Coastal Road-2, a 7.3-kilometre corridor connecting Anand Nagar in Mulund East to Balkum in Thane, with the aim of reducing traffic congestion and improving connectivity in the Thane region.

According to MMRDA, the project will primarily consist of an elevated road passing along the Thane Creek shoreline. The authority has submitted a proposal to the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) seeking Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance, which is mandatory before construction can begin.

The proposed road will connect the elevated Anand Nagar–Saket Road with the existing Thane Coastal Road-1, which stretches between Balkum and Gaimukh. Once completed, the corridor is expected to function as a bypass for Thane city, easing pressure on internal roads and improving traffic flow for both local commuters and vehicles passing through the city.

The alignment of the project is proposed to pass through Mulund, Kopri, Chendani, Kasbe, Khari Tarf Khairane, and Balkum, providing faster connectivity between eastern Mumbai and Thane.

However, the project has also raised environmental concerns. According to the proposal submitted by MMRDA, around 12.72 hectares of mangrove area will be affected, and approximately 1,733 mangrove trees may need to be removed for the project. The alignment also falls within an environmentally sensitive zone near the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, and the Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary.

As a result, the project will require environmental and CRZ clearances before any construction work can commence.

Officials believe the proposed Coastal Road-2 will significantly improve mobility in the Thane region by providing an alternative route, reducing travel time, and helping decongest some of the city’s busiest roads while balancing environmental compliance during the approval process.