The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) recently undertook a massive demolition drive to remove encroachments along the Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road (JVLR). In this, 87 structures along a 300 metre stretch, from the Oberoi International School up to Durga Nagar near the Mahakali Caves, were demolished to widen the road and build a bridge.
It was carried out by a group of 14 K East Ward officers, five excavators, fifty employees, and police officers from MIDC police station on April 18.
It is pertinent to note that the road widening project has been pending since 2008 due to encroachments by these hutments, causing significant bottlenecks and traffic jams in the area. However, with the expansion of the road from 100 feet to 150 feet, the travel time to Powai will reduce to 20-25 minutes. This will also help in easing traffic woes.
The JVLR widening project is of utmost importance for Mumbai as it is a critical route that connects the eastern and western suburbs.
Meanwhile, the BMC has relocated the residents of these encroached huts to a property near Jogeshwari Trauma hospital owned by the Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA). Though, they have no desire to relocate and leave the buildings as they have been shifted without any compensation.
Besides, in the second phase of the project, the BMC plans to remove 100 encroachments along an 800-metre stretch of the Western Express Highway (WEH) to reach Shyam Nagar in Jogeshwari.
Additionally, the construction is underway for Metro 6 on this stretch, further increasing its significance.
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