June 26, 2025: Motorists using Mumbai’s Eastern Freeway—linking South Mumbai to Ghatkopar—are once again navigating long stretches of the 16.8-km corridor in complete darkness due to non-functional street lighting. The signal-free arterial road, which connects P D’Mello Road to the Ghatkopar-Mankhurd Link Road, is a vital route for thousands commuting to and from the eastern suburbs.
Despite its importance, commuters say basic infrastructure such as street lighting remains neglected. “The speed limit is 80 kmph, and without streetlights, the road becomes extremely hazardous. Accidents could happen at any moment,” said Hemant Vichare, a daily user.
“It’s been at least six months since the lights have stopped working, especially from the Wadala to Chembur stretch. The tunnel lights have never functioned fully. During monsoons, waterlogging coupled with poor visibility makes driving even riskier,” added Chembur resident D. Pinto.
Another commuter highlighted that not only the Wadala section, but also the flyover beyond Chembur towards Ghatkopar, has gone dark. “Vehicles travel at high speeds. It’s unacceptable that such a busy road lacks basic safety features like lighting,” they said.
Although the flyover was constructed by MMRDA and handed over to the BMC in 2015 for upkeep, a clear solution remains elusive. BMC’s Chief Engineer (Bridges), Uttam Shrote, acknowledged the problem and claimed that tenders for repairs are “in process.” However, Chief Engineer (Mechanical & Electrical), Krishna Perekar, contradicted this, stating no such tender exists currently.
Perekar further added that lighting procurement is centralised and not based on specific locations, shifting the responsibility to ward offices.
Adani Electricity, meanwhile, confirmed that no disruption in power supply had been reported on their end.
This is not the first time the Eastern Freeway has gone dark. In July 2023, similar issues were reported, raising persistent questions about the civic body’s accountability and responsiveness.
Source: The Free Press Journal
