The long-delayed Vidyavihar East–West Connector project in Mumbai has encountered another hurdle, with plans to remove 213 trees to make way for the flyover’s approach roads. In response, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has proposed a compensatory plantation drive involving 2,278 trees across the city.
A proposal has been submitted to the civic body’s Standing Committee to appoint the Maharashtra Forest Development Corporation (MFDC) to carry out the plantation and maintenance work. Despite setting a revised completion deadline of June 2026, the slow pace of construction has raised concerns about whether the project will be ready before the onset of the monsoon.
The 650-metre, two-lane connector aims to link Ramkrishna Chemburkar Marg in Vidyavihar East with Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg in the west. It includes a 100-metre span over railway tracks—considered the longest girder over railway lines in the city—and will also improve pedestrian access to Vidyavihar Railway Station. Work on the approach roads is currently underway.
According to a project survey, 189 trees were initially identified as being affected. Of these, 65 are slated for felling, 73 will be transplanted, and 51 retained. However, subsequent design modifications will impact an additional 24 trees, with 12 to be cut and 12 transplanted. As part of the mitigation measures, authorities have mandated the plantation of 288 extra trees, increasing the total compensatory count to 2,278.
Due to limited space within Mumbai, the plantation will largely take place on a 2.05-hectare plot in Karanjade, Panvel. The total cost of transplantation, plantation, and seven years of maintenance is estimated at approximately Rs 1.57 crore. Combined with earlier transplantation costs of Rs 41.51 lakh, the overall environmental mitigation expense is expected to reach nearly Rs 1.99 crore.
First proposed in 1991, the connector project saw little progress until 2016, when it finally gained momentum. Construction began in 2018 and was initially scheduled for completion by mid-2022. However, delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and multiple design changes pushed timelines further. The project, estimated at Rs 76.18 crore, was awarded to AB Infrabuild Limited, with a formal work order issued in February 2024.
Once completed, the connector is expected to significantly ease congestion and cut travel time between Vidyavihar East and West from over 30 minutes to around 10–15 minutes. Despite its potential benefits, continued delays have frustrated residents and daily commuters, many of whom have been waiting decades for improved east–west connectivity in the area.