The long-delayed Vidyavihar east-west flyover project in Mumbai is nearing completion, with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) aiming to open the corridor before the 2026 monsoon season. First proposed over 30 years ago, the project has now entered its final phase of construction, according to multiple media reports.
The two-lane flyover is being built above Vidyavihar railway station in Mumbai’s N Ward and is intended to improve east-west connectivity across the central suburbs. Once operational, it will connect Lal Bahadur Shastri (LBS) Marg with Ramkrishna Chemburkar Marg, offering commuters an alternative to the heavily used Kurla and Ghatkopar road overbridges.
As per civic officials, the total length of the project is approximately 650 metres. This includes a 100-metre bridge section over the railway tracks, along with approach roads measuring nearly 220 metres on the eastern side and 330 metres on the western side.
The flyover was originally included in BMC’s Development Plan in 1991, while construction tenders were issued in 2016. However, the project witnessed repeated setbacks over the years due to issues such as land acquisition hurdles, encroachments, traffic management complications, and relocation of utilities.
Environmental concerns have also emerged during the construction phase. Reports indicate that the BMC has proposed the removal and transplantation of over 200 trees to facilitate road widening and related infrastructure works. Civic authorities have stated that compensatory plantation drives are planned in Panvel and other parts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar recently inspected the site and instructed officials to expedite pending work ahead of the monsoon. While substantial progress has reportedly been achieved on the eastern side, the western approach continues to face challenges due to nearby buildings, traffic movement, and alignment adjustments.
Once completed, the flyover is expected to significantly reduce travel time and congestion for commuters travelling between Vidyavihar East and West.
Source: Prop News Time
