Mumbai: The much-awaited Thane Creek Bridge (TCB) 3 is now fully open for traffic from Thursday, June 5, bringing major relief to commuters on the busy Sion-Panvel route.

Coinciding with the inauguration of the final 76-km stretch of the Hindu Hriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg at Igatpuri, the three-lane bridge from Vashi towards Mankhurd—the second arm of TCB 3—was digitally launched and opened to the public. The first arm, a three-lane bridge from Mankhurd to Vashi, had already been opened in October 2024.

Constructed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), the two-kilometre-long TCB 3 is expected to significantly ease congestion on the heavily used Vashi Creek Bridge,which serves as a vital link between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. The new bridge is also seen as a key piece of infrastructure in preparation for the expected **traffic surge from the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport.

Legislator Manda Mhatre was present on site during the inauguration of the TCB 3 bridge, while Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde attended the Samruddhi Expressway event in Igatpuri, during which the TCB 3 bridge opening was conducted virtually.

With three lanes on each arm and improved access roads, the TCB 3 project is expected to not only shorten travel time but also enhance overall traffic flow, making daily commutes smoother for thousands of motorists.