Motorists in Mumbai’s Andheri East are facing prolonged travel disruptions as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Mumbai Traffic Police implement road closures for crucial infrastructure upgrades. The stretch from Marol Maroshi Road’s Lok Bharati Junction to Marol Naka, near the Radisson Blu Hotel and Vijayanagar Bridge, will remain closed to all vehicles until May 31, 2026. The closure will allow for road resurfacing, repair works, and the construction of stormwater drains to improve drainage and prevent seasonal flooding.
A senior traffic official confirmed that an alternative route has been designated. Vehicles can divert via a left turn at Lok Bharati Junction and proceed along Makhwana Road to reach Marol Naka. While these measures aim to ease congestion locally, urban planners note that closures can affect commuting times, public transport schedules, and last-mile connectivity across the western suburbs.
In a related update, Jagannath Bhatankar Road will be closed to vehicular movement for approximately three months, from February 14 to May 2026, due to pole construction for the Sewri-Worli Elevated Connector Bridge. Southbound traffic from Senapati Bapat Marg is being rerouted via Wadacha Naka, N.M. Joshi Marg and Dhanmill Naka to bypass the closed section.
Urban transport analysts emphasise that such temporary closures, though disruptive, are crucial for long-term traffic resilience and flood mitigation. Andheri East, a densely populated residential and commercial zone, faces chronic congestion during peak hours. The planned upgrades—including reinforced drains and improved road surfaces—are expected to reduce waterlogging and enhance vehicle flow.
Experts note that the success of these projects depends on effective traffic management, timely execution, and adequate public communication. Coordinated signage, GPS updates, and clear alternate route guidance will be critical to prevent spillover congestion. Officials acknowledge short-term inconvenience but stress that these interventions are essential for a safer, more reliable, and climate-resilient urban transport network in Mumbai.
Source: Urban Acres
