September 20, 2025: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has paused its plan to demolish the seven-year-old Veer Savarkar flyover extension, popularly known as the MTNL flyover, following strong protests from local leaders and residents. The flyover, constructed in 2018 at a cost of ₹27 crore, had been identified as an obstacle to the proposed connector linking the north stretch of the Coastal Road with the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR).
Initially, the BMC considered pulling down the extension and rebuilding it as a double-decker structure, with the Coastal Road-GMLR connector occupying the upper deck. However, after political representatives intervened, the civic body has agreed to explore alternative options.
“The MTNL flyover is an extremely crucial connector in the heart of the western suburbs,” said former corporator Deepak Thakur. “It is a westward extension of the Veer Savarkar flyover, going over the railway tracks connecting east to west, which is a great help for commuters looking to bypass the busy S V Road. Because it lands at the border of Goregaon and Malad, both sides use it, as well as those coming from further like Marve, Madh, Aksa, and even Charkop.”
Vidya Thakur, MLA of the area, said officials had assured that other options would be examined to avoid demolition. Abhijeet Bangar, additional municipal commissioner (Bridges), confirmed: “Taking into account the objections from local representatives and residents, we are looking at alternatives. The question we are facing, since the alignment of the MTNL bridge and Coastal Road-GMLR connector is parallel, is whether the double-decker bridge will rest on a single pier or separate piers.”
Residents and leaders, including Congress MLA Aslam Shaikh, warned of severe traffic disruptions if the structure is removed. Regular commuters highlighted the chaos that would return to the area, while former corporator Sandeep Patel cautioned that rebuilding could take years, leaving locals to suffer without accountability.
Source: Hindustan Times
