Mumbai To Get Major Connectivity Boost As Key Stretch Of Magathane-Goregaon DP Road Set To Open In June

Mumbai: After years of delays, legal battles and encroachment-related hurdles, a crucial section of the long-awaited Magathane-to-Goregaon 120-foot Development Plan (DP) Road is set to open to the public in June, bringing significant relief to residents of Lokhandwala, Thakur Village and surrounding neighbourhoods.

The project, which is being closely monitored under the Chief Minister's War Room initiative, is expected to improve east-west connectivity and reduce dependence on the heavily congested Akurli Road for access to the Western Express Highway (WEH).

Key Link Between Lokhandwala and Thakur Village Nearing Completion

The stretch scheduled to be inaugurated spans approximately 500 metres and connects Lokhandwala Township with Thakur Village through Singh Estate. Once operational, it will provide a direct alternative route for thousands of commuters who currently rely on a single access corridor to reach the highway.

Officials estimate that more than 20,000 residents will benefit from the new road, including those living in Lokhandwala Township, Damu Nagar, Kranti Nagar and Hanuman Nagar.

The improved connectivity is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion on Akurli Road, one of the busiest internal routes in the area.

Long-Pending Project Overcomes Encroachment Challenges

The Magathane-to-Goregaon DP Road is a 5.5-kilometre-long corridor running parallel to the Western Express Highway. However, the project faced repeated delays due to illegal structures and land acquisition challenges along several sections of the planned alignment.

According to civic officials, encroachments at two critical locations have already been removed, while efforts are underway to obtain final permissions for clearing the remaining stretch.

A major breakthrough came after approximately 330 metres of encroached land between Lokhandwala and Thakur Village was cleared. Another section occupied by a transit camp is currently being demolished, allowing road construction to move into its final phase.

Rehabilitation Efforts Help Clear Critical Stretch

Several commercial structures and nearly 300 units within Singh Estate were located along the proposed alignment. The project gained momentum after all project-affected residents were rehabilitated and demolition of the remaining structures was completed earlier this year.

Officials noted that a private company had already handed over a portion of the required land to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in 2018, paving the way for eventual execution of the project.

Residents Welcome Long-Awaited Infrastructure Upgrade

For residents of Lokhandwala and nearby localities, the opening of the road represents a long-awaited solution to persistent traffic bottlenecks.

The project has been the subject of sustained civic activism over the years, with residents demanding improved connectivity and faster implementation. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in 2024 further accelerated the process, eventually leading to administrative approvals and implementation orders.

Once fully operational, the Magathane-Goregaon DP Road is expected to transform mobility in the western suburbs by providing a faster connection to the Western Express Highway, reducing travel times and supporting the growing residential population in the area.

With the first section now ready for public use, commuters are expected to witness immediate improvements in traffic flow, while work continues on the remaining portions of the strategic urban corridor.