August 7, 2025: A proposal to demolish the Veer Savarkar Flyover in Goregaon West has drawn sharp criticism from local political leaders and daily commuters. On Wednesday, opposition party representatives vowed to resist the plan through all available means, citing concerns over worsening traffic congestion and the premature removal of crucial infrastructure.
The flyover, which connects the Western Express Highway (WEH) to Goregaon and Malad, was built in 2018 after a decade-long campaign. It significantly reduced travel time from over 45 minutes to just 10, offering relief to thousands of daily commuters along the congested Swami Vivekananda (SV) Road.
Harish Yadav, Maharashtra Secretary of the Republican Party of India, said, “I have been regularly using this flyover to travel between Goregaon and Malad. Over the past few years, both areas have witnessed rapid population growth, leading to increased traffic congestion. The construction of this flyover brought much-needed relief to thousands of daily commuters. The BMC should reconsider its plan to demolish it and instead explore viable alternatives that do not compromise public convenience. We will formally write to the BMC Commissioner, urging him not to approve this ill-advised proposal.”
Kalyani Jadhav of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) added, “The flyover has played a key role in decongesting the heavy traffic on SV Road. With several colleges located along this stretch, the flyover provides a convenient and efficient route for commuters, especially students.”
Residents echoed these concerns. “Traveling from Malad to Goregaon had become increasingly hectic. This flyover came as a major relief,” said commuter Mahendra Mhatre. Another resident, Shri Sawant, warned, “The VDLR may improve connectivity eventually, but who knows how many years it will take?”
BMC Additional Commissioner Abhijeet Bangar clarified, “The decision has not been finalised yet, but the option is currently being explored.”
Source: The Free Press Journal
