BMC to Raze INR 27 Crore Flyover in Goregaon Just 7 Years Later For Coastal Road

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is planning to demolish the Veer Savarkar Flyover in Goregaon, which was built in 2018 at a cost of INR 27 crore. The decision has sparked public anger, with many calling it a waste of public money. 

The flyover, also known as the MTNL Flyover, runs from the Radisson Hotel area along the Western Express Highway to the Rustomjee Ozone apartment complex. It connects Goregaon East and West and is used daily by thousands of vehicles. It was constructed after a decade-long demand by residents. It helped reduce commute time from more than 45 minutes to less than 10.

According to BMC, the flyover stands in the path of the upcoming Versova-Dahisar Coastal Road Phase II. As per sources, the officials maintain that the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR) and the Versova-Dahisar Link Road were developed separately. As a result, the original plan did not include a direct connection. A revised design now includes this link, and the flyover’s removal is part of the plan.

A double-decker flyover has been proposed in place of the existing one. It will connect Mindspace in Malad to Dindoshi and is expected to ease east-west movement. Phase two of the coastal project will also feature underground tunnels, a cable-stayed bridge, and vehicle interchanges to boost north-south traffic flow.

The project has been under review for eight months. All alternatives to save the flyover were explored, but no other option was found. Administrative approval is still pending. Civil work is expected to begin in the first week of September. Boring machines for the tunnel connecting Mindspace and Charkop will arrive early next year.

Many citizens and activists have opposed the plan. They say that it will create traffic chaos in Goregaon. Reports claim that the current flyover serves a large number of people, including those near schools and colleges. Former corporators and residents have threatened to take legal action if the BMC moves ahead. They plan to approach the high court to stop the demolition.