Ulhasnagar MLA Kumar Ailani has appealed to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to postpone the demolition of the Shahad rail overbridge until an alternative traffic route is ready. He warned that closing the bridge without a replacement arrangement could severely affect commuters, students, traders and ambulance services travelling between Kalyan and Ulhasnagar.
The issue was discussed at a meeting on Friday attended by representatives of the MMRDA, traffic police, Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC), Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation (UMC), Public Works Department (PWD) and the National Highways Department. Officials reviewed plans to demolish the existing bridge and build a new structure.
Ailani urged authorities to accelerate construction of an elevated flyover along the Ulhas River, connecting Bhawani Chowk (Prem Auto) with Shantinagar. He said completing this alternative link on priority would help reduce congestion in both cities. According to the MLA, demolition and reconstruction of the Shahad bridge should begin only after the alternate route becomes operational.
Highlighting the likely impact of the closure, Ailani said many traders from Ulhasnagar reside in Kalyan, while students from both areas regularly travel between the two cities for education. He recalled that a month-long closure of the Shahad bridge for repairs recently led to traffic jams lasting four to five hours, causing significant disruption.
During the meeting, MMRDA superintending engineer Bhushan Mhaske said land-related issues involving Buddha Bhoomi and Palm Resort were holding up the project. He assured officials that construction of the replacement bridge would not damage anyone’s property.
Ailani called for the pending land matters to be resolved through discussions without further delay. Mhaske also said he would raise traffic concerns with senior officials and arrange another meeting to work towards a solution.
With demolition scheduled to begin after Diwali, Ailani convened the meeting to address concerns over commuter movement. He stressed that infrastructure development must proceed while minimising inconvenience to residents.
The proposed replacement bridge will be a four-lane structure, approximately 17 metres wide and one kilometre long.
Source: Times of India
Pic Credit: Hindustan Times
