Pune-Mumbai Travel Just Got Faster! Thane Creek Bridge 3 Fully Opens, Easing Highway Congestion
Pune/Mumbai | June 6, 2025: Commuters between Pune and Mumbai can now breathe a sigh of relief as the Thane Creek Bridge 3 (TCB 3) is fully operational, promising smoother and faster travel. The second arm of the bridge—a three-lane stretch from Vashi to Mankhurd—was virtually inaugurated on June 5 by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, completing the two-kilometre-long infrastructure marvel.
A Game-Changer for Mumbai-Pune Connectivity
The first arm (Mankhurd to Vashi) has been operational since October 2024, but with both arms now open, traffic congestion on the Sion-Panvel Highway—a critical link between Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Pune—is set to reduce significantly. Built by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), TCB 3 is expected to ease bottlenecks, especially with the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport.
Relief from Traffic Jams
Previously, only Mumbai-to-Panvel traffic benefited from the bridge, while Panvel-to-Mumbai commuters faced delays. Now, with three lanes in each direction, travel time will drop, and congestion will ease for thousands of daily travellers.
A Double Infrastructure Boost
The inauguration coincided with the opening of the final 76-km stretch of the Samruddhi Mahamarg at Igatpuri, further enhancing Maharashtra’s road network. While CM Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde inaugurated the expressway on-site, TCB 3 was launched digitally.
With modern engineering and strategic planning, TCB 3 marks a milestone in Mumbai’s transport infrastructure, ensuring smoother commutes for years to come.
