The proposed six-lane Ulhas River bridge between Shahad and Ambivli has moved to the next stage after the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) asked the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for the new crossing.
The bridge is planned parallel to the existing British-era structure and is intended to ease traffic between Kalyan, Titwala and nearby settlements. The proposal follows a demand raised by KDMC mayor Harshali Chaudhari-Thavil, who sought around Rs 110 crore in MMRDA funding during a meeting with deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde.
According to the mayor, the existing bridge is under increasing pressure from rapid urbanisation and rising vehicle numbers. Congestion on the narrow crossing can disrupt daily commuter movement and delay emergency vehicles, including ambulances, fire brigade vehicles and police personnel.
The proposed crossing is expected to improve road capacity between Kalyan city and localities including Vadavali, Atali, Ambivli, Mohone, Titwala, Moheli and Galegaon. The mayor said these areas were experiencing rapid residential and industrial development, increasing the need for improved road access and connecting infrastructure.
“Taking serious note of my demand, deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde has directed the authorities to take the proposal forward. Kalyan MP Dr Shrikant Shinde has also assured support in securing funds for the project. I am happy that MMRDA has now written to KDMC’s city engineer, asking the civic body to complete the necessary groundwork and submit a detailed report,” Chaudhari-Thavil told The Times of India.
The DPR will need to establish the project’s technical feasibility. The mayor said it would include information on land availability, road length and width, proposed alignment maps, existing ground conditions and other technical details required to assess the proposal.
The bridge is being considered as part of a broader effort to address connectivity constraints created by the growth of residential and industrial activity around Kalyan, Titwala and adjoining villages. Its eventual effectiveness will depend not only on the crossing itself but also on the approach roads and connecting infrastructure included in the project design.
MMRDA will consider the proposal for administrative approval after KDMC submits the report and fulfils the required technical parameters. The project would then proceed to the tendering stage if the proposal receives approval.
