Mumbai’s long-pending Mrunaltai Gore Flyover extension project in Goregaon has entered its final phase nearly seven-and-a-half years after construction began. Civic officials said the structure is expected to be completed by May 31 and will be opened for traffic after receiving the required approvals from the traffic police department.
The project has drawn attention in recent weeks after a proposal seeking a third cost escalation was placed before the BMC standing committee earlier this month. Over the years, prolonged construction activity has led to significant inconvenience for motorists and daily commuters travelling through the busy Goregaon corridor.
The total project cost has increased by Rs. 38.33 crore during the construction period. Initially sanctioned at Rs. 209.64 crore, including taxes, the revised project cost now stands at Rs. 247.97 crore. The work is being executed by the joint venture firm MEPL-GYAN JV.
According to civic officials, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) imposed penalties on the contractor for delays in meeting revised deadlines. A fine of Rs. 25,000 per day was levied from May 1 after the contractor failed to complete the work by the April 30 target date. As delays continued, the civic body increased the penalty amount to Rs. 1 lakh per day from May 12 onwards.
Officials had earlier extended the completion deadline till April-end due to a shortage of Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG), which affected certain construction activities. Following a site inspection by members of the civic standing committee and directions to accelerate pending works, the project has now moved closer to completion.
At present, work related to traffic signals, electric pole installations, stormwater drainage looping and painting is underway.
Abhijit Bangar, Additional Municipal Commissioner (projects) said, “The work will be completed by May 31. The bridge will be opened to traffic after consultation with the traffic department.”
Dhaval Shah, co-founder of Lokhandwala Oshiwara Citizens Association (LOCA) said, “The flyover is expected to provide faster access to and from the Western Express Highway. It will also help ease traffic congestion in Goregaon and improve connectivity for commuters travelling to and from Andheri and Oshiwara.”
Source: The Free Press Journal
