Eastern Freeway (Mumbai) - Revision history

KiraHutchinson4: cleanup

2026-02-05T04:22:19Z

cleanup

UpdateBot: robot: Update article (please report if you notice any mistake or error in this edit)

2022-02-22T21:50:33Z

robot: Update article (please report if you notice any mistake or error in this edit)

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:20, 23 February 2022
Line 1:		Line 1:
			{{Short description\|Motorway in Maharashtra}}
	{{About\|the freeway in Mumbai\|the freeway in Melbourne\|Eastern Freeway (Melbourne)}}		{{About\|the freeway in Mumbai\|the freeway in Melbourne\|Eastern Freeway (Melbourne)}}
	{{Use dmy dates\|date=May 2014}}		{{Use dmy dates\|date=May 2014}}
Line 5:		Line 6:
	{{Infobox road		{{Infobox road
	\|country=IND		\|country=IND
	\|name = Vilasrao Deshmukh Eastern Freeway		\|name = Vilasrao Deshmukh Eastern Freeway <br/> विलासराव देशमुख पूर्व मुक्त मार्ग
	\| map = {{Maplink\|frame=yes\|plain=yes\|zoom=11\|frame-width=290\|frame-height=300\|frame-align=center\|type=line\|stroke-width=3\|id= Q5330149\|title=Eastern Freeway (Mumbai)}}		\| map = {{Maplink\|frame=yes\|plain=yes\|zoom=11\|frame-width=290\|frame-height=300\|frame-align=center\|type=line\|stroke-width=3\|id= Q5330149\|title=Eastern Freeway (Mumbai)}}
	\| map_notes = Eastern Freeway in red		\| map_notes = Eastern Freeway in red
Line 24:		Line 25:
	{{coord\|19.0253235\|72.8807017\|display=title}}		{{coord\|19.0253235\|72.8807017\|display=title}}

	The '''Eastern Freeway''' (officially, '''Vilasrao Deshmukh Freeway'''), is a [[controlled-access highway]],<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.mumbaimirror.com/article/2/2012082420120824043140823e0ee5945/From-darkness-to-light.html \|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130129144009/http://www.mumbaimirror.com/article/2/2012082420120824043140823e0ee5945/From-darkness-to-light.html \|url-status=dead \|archive-date=29 January 2013 \|title=From darkness to light \|work=Mumbai Mirror \|date=24 August 2012 \|access-date=13 March 2013 }}</ref> in [[Mumbai]], that connects [[P D'Mello Road]] in [[South Mumbai]] to the [[Eastern Express Highway]] (EEH) at [[Chembur]]. It is {{cvt\|16.8\|km}} long and its estimated cost is {{INRConvert\|1436\|c}}. The Eastern Freeway was built by the [[Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority]] (MMRDA) and funded by the [[Government of India\|Central Government]] through the [[Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission]] (JnNURM). Construction was contracted to Simplex Infrastructure Ltd.<ref name="indianexpress1">{{cite web\|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/vision-barriers-to-prevent-possible-attacks-on-sensitive-locations/1086736/0 \|title=Vision barriers to prevent possible attacks on sensitive locations \|work=Indian Express\|date=12 March 2013 \|access-date=13 March 2013}}</ref> A 13.59 km stretch of the freeway, comprising two of three segments with one of the twin tunnels, from Orange Gate on P D'Mello Road up to Panjarpol, near [[R. K. Films\|RK Studios]] in [[Chembur]], was opened to the public on 14 June 2013.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-04-12/mumbai/38490621_1_eastern-freeway-ramps-santa-cruz-chembur-link \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130416022950/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-04-12/mumbai/38490621_1_eastern-freeway-ramps-santa-cruz-chembur-link \|url-status=dead \|archive-date=16 April 2013 \|title=South Bombay to Chembur in 16 minutes \|work=[[The Times of India]] \|date=12 April 2013 \|access-date=24 June 2013}}</ref> The second tunnel was opened on 12 April 2014. The third and final segment from Panjarpol to [[Jeejabai Bhosle Marg\|Ghatkopar-Mankhurd Link Road]] (GMLR) was opened on 16 June 2014.		The '''Eastern Freeway''' (officially, '''Vilasrao Deshmukh Freeway''' {{lang-mr\|विलासराव देशमुख पूर्व मुक्त मार्ग}}), is a [[controlled-access highway]],<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.mumbaimirror.com/article/2/2012082420120824043140823e0ee5945/From-darkness-to-light.html \|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130129144009/http://www.mumbaimirror.com/article/2/2012082420120824043140823e0ee5945/From-darkness-to-light.html \|url-status=dead \|archive-date=29 January 2013 \|title=From darkness to light \|work=Mumbai Mirror \|date=24 August 2012 \|access-date=13 March 2013 }}</ref> in [[Mumbai]], that connects [[P D'Mello Road]] in [[South Mumbai]] to the [[Eastern Express Highway]] (EEH) at [[Chembur]]. It is {{cvt\|16.8\|km}} long and its estimated cost is {{INRConvert\|1436\|c}}. The Eastern Freeway was built by the [[Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority]] (MMRDA) and funded by the [[Government of India\|Central Government]] through the [[Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission]] (JnNURM). Construction was contracted to Simplex Infrastructure Ltd.<ref name="indianexpress1">{{cite web\|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/vision-barriers-to-prevent-possible-attacks-on-sensitive-locations/1086736/0 \|title=Vision barriers to prevent possible attacks on sensitive locations \|work=Indian Express\|date=12 March 2013 \|access-date=13 March 2013}}</ref> A 13.59 km stretch of the freeway, comprising two of three segments with one of the twin tunnels, from Orange Gate on P D'Mello Road up to Panjarpol, near [[R. K. Films\|RK Studios]] in [[Chembur]], was opened to the public on 14 June 2013.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-04-12/mumbai/38490621_1_eastern-freeway-ramps-santa-cruz-chembur-link \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130416022950/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-04-12/mumbai/38490621_1_eastern-freeway-ramps-santa-cruz-chembur-link \|url-status=dead \|archive-date=16 April 2013 \|title=South Bombay to Chembur in 16 minutes \|work=[[The Times of India]] \|date=12 April 2013 \|access-date=24 June 2013}}</ref> The second tunnel was opened on 12 April 2014. The third and final segment from Panjarpol to [[Jeejabai Bhosle Marg\|Ghatkopar-Mankhurd Link Road]] (GMLR) was opened on 16 June 2014.

	The Eastern Freeway is primarily intended to reduce travel time between South Mumbai and the [[Eastern Suburbs (Mumbai)\|Eastern Suburbs]].<ref name="efopen">{{cite news \|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-05-17/news/31749213_1_eastern-freeway-mmrda-metropolitan-region-development-authority \|title=First phase of Rs.847 crore Eastern Freeway to open by December\| location=Mumbai \|date=17 May 2012 \|access-date=26 May 2012 \|work=[[The Economic Times]]}}</ref> It is also expected to ease traffic on Dr BR Ambedkar Road, Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Marg, Port Trust Road, [[P D'Mello Road]], the [[Eastern Express Highway]] (EEH) and Mohammad Ali Road.<ref>{{cite news\|author=Manthan K Mehta \|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Entire-Eastern-Freeway-in-Mumbai-likely-to-be-opened-by-May/articleshow/34125368.cms \|title=Entire Eastern Freeway in Mumbai likely to be opened by May \|newspaper=The Times of India \|date=23 April 2014 \|access-date=2014-06-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Mumbai/Mumbai-Eastern-Freeway-frees-up-other-major-roads/Article1-1078133.aspx \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130618220611/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Mumbai/Mumbai-Eastern-Freeway-frees-up-other-major-roads/Article1-1078133.aspx \|url-status=dead \|archive-date=18 June 2013 \|title=Mumbai: Eastern Freeway frees up other major roads \|work=[[Hindustan Times]] \|date=18 June 2013 \|access-date=24 June 2013}}</ref>		The Eastern Freeway is primarily intended to reduce travel time between South Mumbai and the [[Eastern Suburbs (Mumbai)\|Eastern Suburbs]].<ref name="efopen">{{cite news \|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-05-17/news/31749213_1_eastern-freeway-mmrda-metropolitan-region-development-authority \|title=First phase of Rs.847 crore Eastern Freeway to open by December\| location=Mumbai \|date=17 May 2012 \|access-date=26 May 2012 \|work=[[The Economic Times]]}}</ref> It is also expected to ease traffic on Dr BR Ambedkar Road, Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Marg, Port Trust Road, [[P D'Mello Road]], the [[Eastern Express Highway]] (EEH) and Mohammad Ali Road.<ref>{{cite news\|author=Manthan K Mehta \|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Entire-Eastern-Freeway-in-Mumbai-likely-to-be-opened-by-May/articleshow/34125368.cms \|title=Entire Eastern Freeway in Mumbai likely to be opened by May \|newspaper=The Times of India \|date=23 April 2014 \|access-date=2014-06-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Mumbai/Mumbai-Eastern-Freeway-frees-up-other-major-roads/Article1-1078133.aspx \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130618220611/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Mumbai/Mumbai-Eastern-Freeway-frees-up-other-major-roads/Article1-1078133.aspx \|url-status=dead \|archive-date=18 June 2013 \|title=Mumbai: Eastern Freeway frees up other major roads \|work=[[Hindustan Times]] \|date=18 June 2013 \|access-date=24 June 2013}}</ref>

	[[Heavy vehicle]]s (except [[Public transport bus service\|public buses]]),<ref name="indianexpress3">{{cite web\|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/zip-through-mumbai-over-and-under/1121861/0 \|title=Zip through Mumbai, over and under \|work=[[The Indian Express]] \|date=29 May 2013 \|access-date=25 June 2013}}</ref> [[three-wheeler]]s, [[two-wheeler (disambiguation)\|two-wheeler]]s, [[bullock cart]]s, [[handcart]]s and pedestrians are prohibited from using the freeway.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/1848202/report-run-more-buses-for-public-on-freeway-experts \|title=Run more buses for public on Freeway \|publisher=Dnaindia.com \|date=15 June 2013 \|access-date=24 June 2013}}</ref> Vehicles are also prohibited from halting on the freeway. The maximum allowed speed limit is 80 km/h.<ref>{{cite web\|date=28 February 2020\|title=New speed limit for Mumbai flyovers, highways, Bandra Worli Sealink\|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/new-speed-limit-for-mumbai-flyovers-highways-bandra-worli-sea-link-full-list-11582879969796.html\|url-status=live\|access-date=28 February 2020\|publisher=Livemint.com}}</ref>		[[Heavy vehicle]]s (except [[Public transport bus service\|public buses]]),<ref name="indianexpress3">{{cite web\|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/zip-through-mumbai-over-and-under/1121861/0 \|title=Zip through Mumbai, over and under \|work=[[The Indian Express]] \|date=29 May 2013 \|access-date=25 June 2013}}</ref> [[three-wheeler]]s, [[two-wheeler (disambiguation)\|two-wheeler]]s, [[bullock cart]]s, [[handcart]]s and pedestrians are prohibited from using the freeway.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/1848202/report-run-more-buses-for-public-on-freeway-experts \|title=Run more buses for public on Freeway \|publisher=Dnaindia.com \|date=15 June 2013 \|access-date=24 June 2013}}</ref> Vehicles are also prohibited from halting on the freeway. The maximum allowed speed limit is 80 km/h.<ref>{{cite web\|date=28 February 2020\|title=New speed limit for Mumbai flyovers, highways, Bandra Worli Sealink\|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/new-speed-limit-for-mumbai-flyovers-highways-bandra-worli-sea-link-full-list-11582879969796.html\|url-status=live\|access-date=28 February 2020\|publisher=Livemint.com\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310115025/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/new-speed-limit-for-mumbai-flyovers-highways-bandra-worli-sea-link-full-list-11582879969796.html \|archive-date=10 March 2020 }}</ref>

	==History==		==History==

103.226.189.45: I have updated the new speed limit of the Easter Freeway. It was increased to 80 km/h in February, 2020

2021-11-28T16:18:10Z

I have updated the new speed limit of the Easter Freeway. It was increased to 80 km/h in February, 2020

Show changes

>Aakash Singh India at 08:59, 3 June 2021

2021-06-03T08:59:14Z

New page

{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2014}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2016}}

{{Infobox road
|country=IND
|name = Vilasrao Deshmukh Eastern Freeway
| map = {{Maplink|frame=yes|plain=yes|zoom=11|frame-width=290|frame-height=300|frame-align=center|type=line|stroke-width=3|id= Q5330149|title=Eastern Freeway (Mumbai)}}
| map_notes = Eastern Freeway in red
| map_custom = yes
|image=
|length_km= 16.8
|established=16 June 2014
|direction_a= South
|terminus_a= [[P D'Mello Road]], [[South Mumbai]]
|junction=
|direction_b= North
|terminus_b= [[Eastern Express Highway]], [[Ghatkopar]]
|history=
|states= [[Maharashtra]]
|cities= [[Mumbai]]
|maint = [[Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority|MMRDA]]
}}
{{coord|19.0253235|72.8807017|display=title}}

The '''Eastern Freeway''' (officially, '''Vilasrao Deshmukh Freeway'''), is a [[controlled-access highway]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mumbaimirror.com/article/2/2012082420120824043140823e0ee5945/From-darkness-to-light.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130129144009/http://www.mumbaimirror.com/article/2/2012082420120824043140823e0ee5945/From-darkness-to-light.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 January 2013 |title=From darkness to light |work=Mumbai Mirror |date=24 August 2012 |access-date=13 March 2013 }}</ref> in [[Mumbai]], that connects [[P D'Mello Road]] in [[South Mumbai]] to the [[Eastern Express Highway]] (EEH) at [[Chembur]]. It is {{cvt|16.8|km}} long and its estimated cost is {{INRConvert|1436|c}}. The Eastern Freeway was built by the [[Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority]] (MMRDA) and funded by the [[Government of India|Central Government]] through the [[Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission]] (JnNURM). Construction was contracted to Simplex Infrastructure Ltd.<ref name="indianexpress1">{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/vision-barriers-to-prevent-possible-attacks-on-sensitive-locations/1086736/0 |title=Vision barriers to prevent possible attacks on sensitive locations |work=Indian Express|access-date=13 March 2013}}</ref> A 13.59 km stretch of the freeway, comprising two of three segments with one of the twin tunnels, from Orange Gate on P D'Mello Road up to Panjarpol, near [[R. K. Films|RK Studios]] in [[Chembur]], was opened to the public on 14 June 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-04-12/mumbai/38490621_1_eastern-freeway-ramps-santa-cruz-chembur-link |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130416022950/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-04-12/mumbai/38490621_1_eastern-freeway-ramps-santa-cruz-chembur-link |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 April 2013 |title=South Bombay to Chembur in 16 minutes |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=12 April 2013 |access-date=24 June 2013}}</ref> The second tunnel was opened on 12 April 2014. The third and final segment from Panjarpol to [[Jeejabai Bhosle Marg|Ghatkopar-Mankhurd Link Road]] (GMLR) was opened on 16 June 2014.

The Eastern Freeway is primarily intended to reduce travel time between South Mumbai and the [[Eastern Suburbs (Mumbai)|Eastern Suburbs]].<ref name="efopen">{{cite news |url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-05-17/news/31749213_1_eastern-freeway-mmrda-metropolitan-region-development-authority |title=First phase of Rs.847 crore Eastern Freeway to open by December| location=Mumbai |date=17 May 2012 |access-date=26 May 2012 |work=[[The Economic Times]]}}</ref> It is also expected to ease traffic on Dr BR Ambedkar Road, Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Marg, Port Trust Road, [[P D'Mello Road]], the [[Eastern Express Highway]] (EEH) and Mohammad Ali Road.<ref>{{cite news|author=Manthan K Mehta |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Entire-Eastern-Freeway-in-Mumbai-likely-to-be-opened-by-May/articleshow/34125368.cms |title=Entire Eastern Freeway in Mumbai likely to be opened by May |newspaper=The Times of India |date=23 April 2014 |access-date=2014-06-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Mumbai/Mumbai-Eastern-Freeway-frees-up-other-major-roads/Article1-1078133.aspx |title=Mumbai: Eastern Freeway frees up other major roads |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |date=18 June 2013 |access-date=24 June 2013}}</ref>

[[Heavy vehicle]]s (except [[Public transport bus service|public buses]]),<ref name="indianexpress3">{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/zip-through-mumbai-over-and-under/1121861/0 |title=Zip through Mumbai, over and under |work=[[The Indian Express]] |date=29 May 2013 |access-date=25 June 2013}}</ref> [[three-wheeler]]s, [[two-wheeler (disambiguation)|two-wheeler]]s, [[bullock cart]]s, [[handcart]]s and pedestrians are prohibited from using the freeway.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/1848202/report-run-more-buses-for-public-on-freeway-experts |title=Run more buses for public on Freeway |publisher=Dnaindia.com |date=15 June 2013 |access-date=24 June 2013}}</ref> Vehicles are also prohibited from halting on the freeway. The maximum allowed speed limit is 60 km/h.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/1847735/report-mumbai-gets-eastern-freeway-finally-zoom-on-it-from-today |title=Mumbai gets Eastern Freeway, finally. Zoom on it from today |publisher=Dnaindia.com |date=14 June 2013 |access-date=25 June 2013}}</ref>

==History==
Wilbur Smith and Associates, commissioned in 1962 to study transportation in Bombay, recommended construction of a freeway from the southern part of the city to the Western Express Highway near Bandra.<ref>{{cite news|last=Shukla|first=Alka|title=The man who saw tomorrow...|url=http://www.mumbaimirror.com/mumbai/others/The-man-who-saw-tomorrow--/articleshow/16111678.cms|access-date=31 March 2014|newspaper=Mumbai Mirror|date=22 March 2011|location=Mumbai}}</ref> An eastern freeway to connect the Eastern Suburbs with South Mumbai was also proposed in the Central Road Research Institute's transport improvement plan for Bombay in 1983. It also recommended a western freeway to connect the [[Western Suburbs (Mumbai)|Western Suburbs]] with South Mumbai. However, the plan was not given serious consideration until about 2003, when work on the Bandra-Worli Sea Link (BWSL), which was part of the proposed [[Western Freeway (Mumbai)|Western Freeway]], had begun. It led to an increase in traffic in eastern Mumbai, and the MMRDA decided to consider building the Eastern Freeway. The MMRDA called for bid in 2007, and construction of the main freeway began in January 2008, except for the Anik-Panjarpol link road on which construction had begun in 2004.<ref name="indianexpress2">{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/zip-through-mumbai-over-and-under/1121861/0 |title=Zip through Mumbai, over and under |work=[[The Indian Express]] |date=29 May 2013 |access-date=24 June 2013}}</ref> The Eastern Freeway was scheduled to be completed by 18 January 2011<ref>{{cite news|agency=TNN |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/City/Mumbai/Eastern-Freeway-cost-overrun-Rs-259-crore-RTI/articleshow/33571062.cms |title=Eastern Freeway cost overrun Rs 259 crore: RTI |newspaper=The Times of India |date=29 April 2014 |access-date=2014-06-19}}</ref> but faced several delays due to obtaining permissions for construction in forest and [[Salt pan (geology)|salt pan]] areas, reclaiming of land and difficulties posed by unmapped underground [[Public utility|utilities]] in the construction work. The delays also escalated the cost of the 9.29 km elevated road from the initial {{INRConvert|5.31|b}} to {{INRConvert|5.72|b}}.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/New-road-corridor-of-Mumbai-by-the-start-of-next-year/articleshow/15081434.cms | work=The Times of India | title=New road corridor of Mumbai by the start of next year | date=21 July 2012}}</ref>

A 14 km section of the 17 km Eastern Freeway was completed by 24 May 2013.<ref name="dnaindia1">{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/1845979/report-freeway-awaits-vip-rough-ride-awaits-you |title=Freeway awaits VIP, rough ride awaits you |publisher=Dnaindia.com |date=10 June 2013 |access-date=25 June 2013}}</ref> Chavan had promised to open the freeway on 7 June 2013, when he inaugurated the Milan flyover in May 2013.<ref>{{cite magazine|author=Krishna Kumar |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/ipl-betting-ipl-spot-fixing-dawood-ibrahim-match-fixing-sharad-pawar-vindu-dara-singh/1/283929.html |title=Making betting legal no solution |magazine=[[India Today]] |date=18 June 2013 |access-date=25 June 2013}}</ref> The delay in opening the freeway led to criticism from transport experts and the media,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gulfnews.com/news/world/india/eastern-freeway-to-open-1.1196319 |title=Eastern Freeway to open |publisher=GulfNews.com |date=12 June 2013 |access-date=25 June 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-06-11/mumbai/39897880_1_eastern-freeway-inauguration-arterial-roads |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130628041440/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-06-11/mumbai/39897880_1_eastern-freeway-inauguration-arterial-roads |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 June 2013 |title=Freeway inauguration awaits VIP, rain-hit Mumbaikars wait for relief |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=11 June 2013 |access-date=25 June 2013}}</ref> and protests from angry Mumbai residents.<ref>{{cite web|author=Raksha Shetty |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/indias-second-longest-flyover-will-be-open-to-public-in-mumbai-today/398365-3-237.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615092014/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/indias-second-longest-flyover-will-be-open-to-public-in-mumbai-today/398365-3-237.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 June 2013 |title=India's second longest flyover will be open to public in Mumbai today |publisher=Ibnlive.in.com |date=14 June 2013 |access-date=25 June 2013}}</ref> The problem was exacerbated by heavy [[Monsoon of Indian subcontinent|monsoon]] rains that caused most other roads to be waterlogged.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://post.jagran.com/mumbai-eastern-freeway-develops-cracks-1371186747 |title=Eastern Freeway falling apart before it's thrown open to public |publisher=Post.jagran.com |date=14 June 2013 |access-date=25 June 2013}}</ref> A 13.59 km stretch of the Eastern Freeway, comprising the four-lane 9.29 km elevated road from Orange Gate on P D'Mello Road to the beginning of Anik-Panjarpol Link Road and four of eight lanes of the 4.3 km road-tunnel-flyover from Anik to the beginning of Panjarpol-Ghatkopar Link Road, was eventually inaugurated by the Chief Minister himself on 13 June 2013. However, the freeway could not be opened the same day as the stage erected for the ceremony remained in the middle of the road.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Mumbai/Mumbai-eastern-freeway-opens-but-not-yet-for-you/Article1-1076067.aspx |title=Mumbai: eastern freeway opens, but not yet for you |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |date=14 June 2013 |access-date=24 June 2013}}</ref> The freeway was opened to the public the following day.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/phase-1-of-eastern-freeway-opens-to-public/1129238/ |title=Phase 1 of Eastern Freeway opens to public |work=[[The Indian Express]] |date=15 June 2013 |access-date=24 June 2013}}</ref>

All civil work on the remaining stretch from Panjarpol to Ghatkopar-Mankhurd Link Road (GMLR) was completed in January 2014. The final stretch opened to the public in April 2014.

The original estimated cost of all three segments together was {{INRConvert|8.47|b}}.<ref name="indianexpress2" /> The final cost of the project is estimated to be {{INRConvert|14.63|b}}.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Ramps-linking-Wadala-to-Freeway-will-open-today/articleshow/33301095.cms |title=Ramps linking Wadala to Freeway will open today |newspaper=The Times of India |date=2014-04-06 |access-date=2014-06-19}}</ref>

Eight CCTV cameras are installed on the freeway and are operational since 12 August 2015.<ref>http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/eastern-freeway-finally-under-cctv-coverage/</ref>

==Construction==
The freeway was built in three segments – a 9.3 km elevated road from Orange Gate on [[P D'Mello Road]] to the beginning of Anik-Panjarpol Link Road, a 5 km mostly at grade road featuring twin tunnels from Anik to the beginning of Panjarpol-Ghatkopar Link Road, and a 2.5 km flyover from Panjarpol to Ghatkopar.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/MAH-MUM-ride-your-vehicle-on-indias-second-longest-flyover-in-mumbai-today-4290752-NOR.html |title=Ride your vehicle on India’s second longest flyover in Mumbai today |publisher=daily.bhaskar.com |date=13 June 2013 |access-date=24 June 2013}}</ref> The 4-lane Eastern Freeway, starts at P D'Mello Road near Wadi Bandar, and further enters into [[Mumbai Port Trust]] road and eventually joins the EEH via Anik Panjarpol Link Road (APLR), near [[Wadala]].<ref name="autogenerated1">[http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel_1731961 Light at the end of the tunnel – India – DNA]</ref>

===P D'Mello Road to Anik===
The first section has a length of 9.3 km, width of 17.2 meters<ref name="thehindu1">{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/mumbai-eastern-freeway-thrown-open-to-public/article4811609.ece |title=Mumbai Eastern Freeway thrown open to public |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=14 June 2013 |access-date=25 June 2013}}</ref> and connects [[P D'Mello Road]] to Anik. This phase also includes ground improvement of existing roads, the construction of a 4-lane elevated corridor and the construction of a missing link. This stretch is made up of 4 sections,<ref>[http://www.mmrdamumbai.org/showProject.jsp?srv=DT1dJK23HOSNq54 Mmrdamumbai.org – Mmrdamumbai and Mumbai Samachar]</ref> and has 5 ramps for exit and entry at Reay Road, Port Road, Anik and Orange Gate.<ref name="Ramps">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Mumbai/Four-ways-to-a-faster-commute/Article1-1010870.aspx |title=Four ways to a faster commute |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |date=13 February 2013 |access-date=24 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130213154235/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Mumbai/Four-ways-to-a-faster-commute/Article1-1010870.aspx |archive-date=13 February 2013 |df=dmy }}</ref>

*Section I – From S.V Patel road junction on P D'Mello road to Orange Gate consisting of up and down ramps (0.41 km)
*Section II – Orange gate to Mumbai Port Trust pipeline gate – elevated corridor (7.02 km)
*Section III – Mumbai Port Trust pipe line gate to WTT road consisting of construction of elevated corridor through salt pan (Missing Link) and Customs area (0.78 km)
*Section IV – WTT road near customs area to start of APLR – Elevated corridor (1.08 km)

Civil construction work on this section was completed on 9 March 2013.<ref>{{cite web|author=IANS |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-03-09/mumbai/37580807_1_anik-panjrapole-efp-mmrda |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130820043329/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-03-09/mumbai/37580807_1_anik-panjrapole-efp-mmrda |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 August 2013 |title=Mumbai to have India's longest elevated road |date=9 March 2013 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=13 March 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2013/20130311/main3.htm |title=The Tribune, Chandigarh, India – Main News |publisher=Tribuneindia.com |access-date=13 March 2013}}</ref> The 9.29 km stretch from Orange Gate to Mahul creek is the longest flyover in Mumbai and third longest flyover in India, after the 25 km Kanpur city bypass flyover on NH-2 and the 11.6 km [[Elevated Expressways in Hyderabad#P.V. Narasimha Rao Elevated Expressway|P.V. Narasimha Rao Elevated Expressway]] in [[Hyderabad, India|Hyderabad]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Mumbai/Travel-from-Chembur-to-SoBo-in-20-mins/Article1-1075447.aspx |title=Travel from Chembur to SoBo in 20 mins |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |date=13 June 2013 |access-date=24 June 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/slideshows/infrastructure/facts-about-mumbais-longest-flyover-on-eastern-freeway/slideshow/18881250.cms |title=Second largest flyover in the country – Facts about Mumbai's longest flyover on Eastern Freeway | The Economic Times |publisher=Economictimes.indiatimes.com |date=9 March 2013 |access-date=13 March 2013}}</ref> This segment was opened to the public on 14 June 2013, along with four lanes of the Anik – Panjarpol link road.

===Anik – Panjarpol link road===
[[File:Eastern-Freeway-Tunnel-South.jpg|thumb|The tunnels on the Anik Panarpol Link Road]]
[[File:Anik Panjarpol Road.jpg|thumb|Aerial view of the Anik Panjarpol road]]
The second segment is the 8-lane, 5 km long Anik – Panjarpol link road.<ref name="Ramps" /> This stretch required the construction of Mumbai's first twin tunnel.<ref name="ReferenceB">{{cite news|author=Manthan K Mehta |agency=TNN |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/South-bound-tunnel-on-Eastern-Freeway-to-be-opened-tomorrow/articleshow/33622011.cms |title=South-bound tunnel on Eastern Freeway to be opened tomorrow |newspaper=The Times of India |date=2014-04-11 |access-date=2014-06-19}}</ref> The twin tunnels are 505m (North-bound) and 555m (South-bound) in length;<ref name="autogenerated1" /> 18 metres in width and 9 metres in height.

This segment was opened to traffic on 14 June 2013.<ref name="indianexpress3" /> However, only the North-bound tunnel was opened on that date, but it was used for two-way traffic. The South-bound tunnel was opened to traffic from 12 April 2014, making the entire stretch 8-lane.<ref name="ReferenceB"/> The ramps connecting Anik Wadala Road to the Eastern Freeway were opened to traffic on 6 April 2014. The construction of these two ramps had been scheduled to complete in January 2014, but the work was delayed due to unforeseen technical reasons.<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref name="dnaindia.com">{{cite web|author=Dna Correspondent |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-two-ramps-of-the-eastern-freeway-at-wadala-will-be-opened-to-traffic-on-sunday-1975542 |title=Two ramps of the Eastern Freeway at Wadala will be opened to traffic on Sunday |publisher=DNA |date=2014-04-06 |access-date=2014-06-19}}</ref>

===Panjarpol – Ghatkopar link road===
[[File:Mumbai Eastern Freeway Northern end.jpg|thumb|Aerial image of the junction of Mumbai's Eastern Freeway with the Ghatkopar-Mankhurd Link Road.]]
The third segment consists of a 4-lane elevated 2.8 km flyover from Panjarpol till the [[Jeejabai Bhosle Marg|Ghatkopar-Mankhurd Link Road]] (GMLR), via [[Govandi]].<ref name="indiatimes1">{{cite web|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-03-09/mumbai/37580405_1_eastern-freeway-longest-flyover-panjarpol |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515075248/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-03-09/mumbai/37580405_1_eastern-freeway-longest-flyover-panjarpol |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 May 2013 |title=Eastern Freeway to be completed today |date=9 March 2013 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=13 March 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Eastern-freeway-slab-falls-1-killed/articleshow/15048217.cms | work=The Times of India | title=Eastern freeway slab falls, 1 killed | date=20 July 2012}}</ref> This stretch has 3 ramps near Deonar, Govandi and Panjarpol.<ref name="Ramps" /> The section consists of 103 spans.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/pending-work-may--mess-up--freeway-phase-ii-deadline/1130774/0 |title=Pending work may ‘mess up’ freeway phase II deadline |work=[[The Indian Express]] |date=19 June 2013 |access-date=24 June 2013}}</ref> Like the elevated section of the freeway, the Panjarpol-Ghatkopar Link Road has a bitumen layer atop the concrete, ensuring smoother riding quality than a regular cement road.<ref name="indianexpress.com">{{cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/second-phase-of-eastern-freeway-in-final-lap/ |title=Second phase of Eastern Freeway in final lap |newspaper=The Indian Express |date=2014-02-15 |access-date=2014-06-19}}</ref>

Construction work on this phase of the project was awarded in August 2009 at a cost of {{INRConvert|168|c|year=2009|nolink=yes}},<ref name="indiatimes2">{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Eastern-Freeway-didnt-match-up-to-plan-says-Comptroller-and-Auditor-General/articleshow/36727269.cms |title=Eastern Freeway didn’t match up to plan, says Comptroller and Auditor General – The Times of India |language=ru |newspaper=The Times of India |date=17 June 2014 |access-date=2014-06-19}}</ref> and MMRDA officials announced February 2011 as the deadline. However, obtaining permissions from authorities concerned, rehabilitating project affected families and engineering challenges involved during the construction stage, delayed the project.<ref name="ReferenceC">{{cite web|author=DNA Correspondent |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-panjarpol-ghatkopar-link-road-to-be-ready-by-mid-may-1984744 |title=Panjarpol-Ghatkopar Link Road to be ready by mid-May |publisher=DNA |date=2014-05-04 |access-date=2014-06-19}}</ref>

All civil work on the final stretch of the Eastern Freeway, from Panjarpol to Ghatkopar-Mankhurd Link Road (GMLR), was completed in January 2014. Engineers working on the project then concretised the surface of the Panjarpol-Ghatkopar Link Road, which begins at Panjarpol junction near R K Studio in Chembur and ends at the GMLR. When the first phase of the freeway was inaugurated in June 2013, the MMRDA had planned to commission the final stretch in December 2013.<ref name="indianexpress.com"/> The up and down ramps on the Panjrapole – Ghatkopar Link Road at Panjrapole junction were opened for vehicular traffic on the morning of 30 April 2014.<ref name="timesofindia.indiatimes.com">{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/2-more-ramps-on-Eastern-Freeway-to-open-today/articleshow/34390060.cms |title=2 more ramps on Eastern Freeway to open today |newspaper=The Times of India |access-date=2014-06-19}}</ref> By the end of April 2014, the MMRDA was finishing up the painting and concretising and installing streetlights and signs.<ref name="ReferenceC"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/second-phase-likely-to-be-ready-by-mid-may/ |title=Second phase likely to be ready by mid-May |newspaper=The Indian Express |date=2014-04-30 |access-date=2014-06-19}}</ref> The final leg of the 2.8 km Panjarpol-Ghatkopar link road was opened to traffic on 16 June 2014, marking the commissioning of the entire Eastern Freeway.<ref>{{cite news|author=Somit Sen |agency=TNN |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/City/Mumbai/Traffic-runs-smooth-on-Eastern-Freeway-motorists-reach-office-in-record-time/articleshow/36700147.cms |title=Traffic runs smooth on Eastern Freeway, motorists reach office in record time |newspaper=The Times of India |date=2014-06-17 |access-date=2014-06-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/cm-inaugurates-eastern-freeway-kherwadi-flyover-in-mumbai/article6120080.ece |title=CM inaugurates Eastern Freeway, Kherwadi flyover in Mumbai |newspaper=The Hindu |date=16 June 2014 |access-date=2014-06-19}}</ref>

===Other work===
Seismic arresters installed on the freeway will enable it to handle earthquakes of up to 7.5 on the [[Richter magnitude scale|Richter scale]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_eastern-freeway-to-have-seismic-arresters_1809399 |title=Eastern freeway to have seismic arresters – Mumbai – DNA |publisher=Dnaindia.com |access-date=13 March 2013}}</ref>

==Future Plans==
The [[Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority]] plans to extend the southern arm of the freeway by building a 1.5 kilometer extension from Orange Gate, where it currently ends to Mint Road. It is looking at the costs involved as well as the number of lanes of traffic possible.<ref>{{cite news|author1=Manthan K Mehta|title=Eastern Freeway to be extended till Mint Rd, Harbour line to shift|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Eastern-Freeway-to-be-extended-till-Mint-Rd-Harbour-line-to-shift/articleshow/47021210.cms|access-date=3 May 2015|agency=TNN|publisher=Times of India, Mumbai|date=April 23, 2015}}</ref>

==Bus services==
Several bus services are operated on the Eastern Freeway, mostly connecting the Eastern and Harbour Suburbs with South Mumbai and further down to Navi Mumbai. [[Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport]] (BEST) operates services from [[Cuffe Parade]] to [[Vashi]], [[Mantralaya, Mumbai|Mantralaya]] to Govandi, and Mantralaya to Shivaji Nagar (C-8), [[Thane]] to [[Backbay]] (A8-Express), [[Ghatkopar]] to Museum (C-9) via the Eastern Freeway.<ref name="indiatimes3" /> The [[Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation]] (MSRTC) operates 2x2 seating buses on the freeway.<ref name="indiatimes3">[https://web.archive.org/web/20131006064351/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-09-07/mumbai/41854116_1_eastern-freeway-best-official-vashi Soon, 2 more BEST services on Freeway – Times Of India]. Articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com (7 September 2013). Retrieved on 6 December 2013.</ref> BEST plans to begin AC bus service as well.<ref name="indiatimes3" />

The MSRTC began running AC buses from Panvel to Mantralaya on 23 September 2013,<ref>[http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/1888247/report-from-sept-23-hop-on-to-panvel-mantralya-ac-bus From Sept 23, hop on to Panvel-Mantralya AC bus – Mumbai – DNA]. Dnaindia.com. Retrieved on 6 December 2013.</ref> marking the first time that AC buses plied on the Eastern Freeway. AC buses to South Mumbai had been operated by the NMMT prior to MSRTC's service, but the latter was the first time that buses took the Eastern Freeway route.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20131212080050/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-09-23/mumbai/42322116_1_ac-buses-ac-bus-services-panvel ?AC bus services on freeway from today – Times Of India]. Articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com (23 September 2013). Retrieved on 6 December 2013.</ref>

==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

{{Highways in India}}

[[Category:Roads in Mumbai]]
[[Category:Expressways in Maharashtra]]
[[Category:2014 establishments in Maharashtra]]
[[Category:Transport infrastructure completed in 2014]]