Mumbai is set to receive a significant boost to its transport infrastructure, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis scheduled to inaugurate the Sion rail overbridge (ROB), Vidyavihar flyover and Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR) connector on October 22. The ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Vidyavihar bridge site at 1 pm, following delays in completing the projects.
The three structures are expected to improve connectivity across key parts of the city, ease traffic congestion and provide commuters with more convenient travel routes.
Vidyavihar Flyover to Improve East-West Connectivity
The Vidyavihar flyover is expected to strengthen links between the eastern and western sides of the suburb. Planned in 2016, construction began in May 2018. One of its notable features is a 98-metre-long steel bridge spanning ten railway lines, making it one of Mumbai’s longest steel road bridges.
New Sion Bridge to Replace Ageing Structure
The reconstructed Sion rail overbridge will provide an important connection between the Eastern Express Highway, LBS Road and Dharavi Road. Its predecessor, which stood for approximately 110 years, was declared structurally unsafe following concerns about its deteriorating condition.
An IIT audit in 2020 highlighted the risks associated with the ageing structure, which crossed active railway lines. The old bridge was subsequently closed and demolished, with reconstruction commencing in August 2024.
GMLR Connector to Strengthen Western Suburb Links
The Goregaon-Mulund Link Road connector will connect Dindoshi Court with Film City, improving access across parts of the western suburbs. Construction on the structure began in 2022, and its opening is expected to provide motorists with another route through the area.
Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar confirmed that the projects had completed their checks, stating, ‘All the work is done. All checks are done. The bridges will be inaugurated and opened to the public soon.’
The opening of these three structures marks an important step in Mumbai’s infrastructure development, with the projects expected to improve traffic movement and make daily commutes more efficient.
Source: Mid-day
Pic Credit: Times of India
