Citizens’ groups in Govandi have called for an official review and investigation into the Ghatkopar–Mankhurd Link Road (GMLR) flyover, raising serious allegations of irregularities, structural flaws, and public safety risks. The Govandi Citizens Welfare Forum and the Govandi New Sangam Welfare Society have jointly written to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee and the Principal Accountant General, urging urgent intervention.
At the centre of the controversy is the flyover’s 200-metre extension arm near the Deonar Dumping Ground. Residents allege that the flyover has been poorly designed and executed, citing insufficient clearance for high-tension wires as a major hazard that prevents the safe passage of heavy vehicles. The flyover, they claim, is riddled with construction flaws and safety oversights.
According to the letters submitted, despite the project’s cost escalating from Rs 313 crore to Rs 714 crore, the flyover still lacks basic safety features such as proper lighting, crash barriers, and road markings—deficiencies that have reportedly caused multiple accidents, including fatalities and injuries. The complainants also raised concerns about the quality of construction materials used, stating that premature structural damage has already been observed.
Residents argue that this flyover mirrors failures identified in past infrastructure audit reports in Mumbai, particularly regarding poor construction quality, lack of accountability, and inadequate government oversight. They have also alleged opacity in fund utilisation and the absence of transparency in the tendering and bidding process.
The citizens have demanded that a comprehensive investigation be undertaken to assess financial irregularities, technical shortcomings, safety lapses, and project delays. They have also asked for a thorough review of the cost escalation and called for corrective measures to address safety hazards and incomplete works. “We trust that the authorities will take immediate action to safeguard public welfare and hold the responsible parties accountable for these systemic failures,” one of the letters stated.
The associations have urged the government to ensure that lessons are learned and that future infrastructure projects follow transparent, accountable, and safety-first approaches.
Source: The Free Press Journal
