In a development that has stirred environmental concern across Mumbai, it was reported that more than 700 trees along the Eastern Express Highway are likely to be affected by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) project to build an elevated road between Ghatkopar and Thane’s Anand Nagar. Officials indicated that a significant number of Tabebuia rosea trees—popularly known as pink trumpet trees—located along the Vikhroli stretch would be impacted. These trees, which bloom spectacularly in the winter months, have long transformed the corridor into a picturesque pink tunnel admired by daily commuters.
According to officials from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), notices have been placed on around 706 trees across the affected stretch. Out of these, approximately 315 trees are expected to be permanently felled, while the remainder are proposed for transplantation. The BMC has invited suggestions and objections from citizens until October 16, allowing the public to share their concerns before the final decision is made. The civic body will hear these responses on the same date.
It was further explained that the elevated corridor, spanning 12.95 kilometres, will connect Cheddha Nagar in Ghatkopar to Anand Nagar in Thane. The alignment passes through three BMC administrative zones—N ward (Ghatkopar), S ward (Bhandup, Vikhroli), and T ward (Mulund). Officials confirmed that the Tabebuia trees in Vikhroli and Kanjurmarg, which have become a seasonal attraction due to their dense canopy of pink blossoms, have been included in the list of trees to be affected. The decision has drawn concern from environmental groups and nature enthusiasts, who view these trees as part of Mumbai’s ecological and aesthetic identity.
In a related instance, reports indicated that over 1,200 trees are expected to be impacted by the Versova–Dahisar Coastal Road Project—part of the larger Mumbai Coastal Road Phase II initiative. The BMC disclosed that 1,244 trees will be affected in total, of which 254 will be cut and 990 will be replanted. This northern stretch, extending 18.47 kilometres, comprises elevated roads, cable-stayed bridges, and tunnels intended to improve connectivity between the western suburbs and South Mumbai.
The MMRDA and BMC have maintained that both infrastructure projects aim to reduce travel time and traffic congestion, particularly across densely populated suburban corridors. However, environmentalists have countered that these projects may come at the cost of crucial urban green cover, which plays an essential role in regulating temperature, air quality, and biodiversity within the city.
While officials have assured that replantation drives will offset the ecological impact, many citizens argue that transplanted trees often fail to survive, weakening Mumbai’s already fragile green balance. The coming weeks are expected to witness active participation from civic groups, environmental activists, and concerned residents, as they voice their opinions during the public consultation phase. If implemented as planned, the elevated road is anticipated to enhance connectivity between eastern and central suburbs, but it will also alter one of Mumbai’s most scenic routes—a stretch known not just for its traffic flow, but for the fleeting beauty of its pink trumpet trees that turn the highway into a living postcard every winter.
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