A 1.26-km flyover being constructed as part of Mumbai’s Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR) project has entered its final phase, with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) aiming to open the structure to motorists by October 15.
Before traffic is allowed on the flyover, a load test is scheduled for the second week of October. The exercise will evaluate the structure’s safety, quality and ability to withstand regular traffic loads before the project undergoes the remaining technical clearances.
Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijeet Bangar inspected the site on September 24 and reviewed the progress of the outstanding works. The major structural components have already been completed, including 31 piers and 30 spans, along with girder installation, deck slab construction and approach roads on both sides.
The three-lane flyover in each direction connects the Dindoshi Court area with Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari. Starting close to Dindoshi Court, the elevated road takes a curve around Ratnagiri Junction Hotel before coming down near the Chitranagari premises.
The structure has been constructed using precast reinforced concrete segmental box girders. Workers are currently completing finishing-related activities, including painting, installation of directional signage and electric poles, thermoplastic road markings, road studs or cat’s eyes, and noise barriers.
During his inspection, Bangar instructed officials to clear barricades from the roads below the flyover to ensure that available road space can be used efficiently by motorists. He also directed civic teams to remove accumulated garbage and construction material from the surrounding area.
Officials have additionally been asked to complete the 7.5-metre-wide slip roads running alongside the flyover and ensure that all finishing activities comply with prescribed quality requirements. Coordination with Mumbai traffic police has also been ordered to facilitate smooth vehicle movement around the structure once the flyover becomes operational.
The flyover is one component of the approximately 12.20-km GMLR project, which is designed to provide a faster east-west connection across Mumbai. According to the civic body, the completed corridor could bring travel time between Goregaon and Mulund down from over 75 minutes to roughly 25 minutes.
Source: Swarajyamag
