The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has revived its long-pending plans to construct a flyover connecting Mahim and Bandra (East).
After being stuck on papers for several years, the civic body has issued a new tender for the project, which is estimated to cost INR 220.17 crore. It is pertinent to note that this is the third time BMC has initiated the tender process.
The aim is to ease traffic congestion along a crucial stretch of the Western Express Highway (WEH).
The 1.5km flyover will reportedly be constructed from Fishermen Colony on Mahim’s Senapati Bapat Marg, extending close to Kalanagar flyover in Bandra East.
A tender for the project was also floated in 2022 and 2023 but reportedly failed to attract bids in time.
During peak hours, the congestion typically begins at Mithi Chowk in Bandra (East) and extends up to Dadar, significantly slowing down vehicular movement on the WEH.
The proposed flyover is expected to ease congestion by up to 30 minutes for travellers between south Mumbai and the suburban areas, benefitting commuters on SV Road and Bandra-Worli Sea Link as well.
The project involves crossing areas near Mithi Chowk, which will require clearances from the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) authorities and the Forest Department. The responsibility of securing these permissions will lie with the appointed contractor.