Mumbai:
Mumbai commuters get some relief tomorrow.
A crucial and ambitious freeway was inaugurated by Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan today.
The Eastern Freeway, 17 kms long, and signal-free, will drastically reduce travel time between South Mumbai - India's most important financial district - and the Eastern Suburbs.
What was earlier a one hour drive from Chembur to the city's main train station, the Chhattrapati Shivaji Terminus or CST will now take about only 20 minutes.
Currently commuters use the Eastern Express Highway.
Starting Friday, commuters will be able to use the first phase (14 kms) of the freeway.
Construction of the freeway began in 2008. The project has cost the government 1250 crores.
There has been much controversy over the delay in opening the freeway for commuters. The state government reportedly waited for over 10 days for a central Congress leader to inaugurate it. But with no one available from New Delhi, Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan will do the honours.