September 10, 2025: Motorists on the 25-km Western Express Highway (WEH) between Dahisar and Mahim could soon experience a seamless drive, with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) planning to introduce uniform street and traffic architecture along the stretch.
The initiative aims to bring consistency in road elements such as dividers, kerb stones, traffic islands, and zebra crossings painted with thermoplastic material. Alongside, the civic body is also considering beautification features like planters, street furniture, and better lighting to uplift the highway’s appearance.
A dedicated cell, headed by the deputy municipal commissioner (infrastructure) and supported by four members, has been set up to plan and monitor the project. “At present, there is no standardisation of street architecture across the WEH. On a lighter note, we have exclaimed internally that it is possible to spot the change in administrative ward boundaries while travelling the length of the highway, by simply noticing the change in design of street architecture along the stretch,” said a senior civic official.
Currently, each ward manages its portion of the highway individually, leading to a patchwork of designs. The new project intends to provide continuity to one of Mumbai’s busiest arterial roads, which also serves as a key link to the airport.
The cost of execution is yet to be finalised, with BMC exploring funding avenues including CSR contributions. “We have debated exploring funding of the project through CSR funds. Many corporations are interested in doing this kind of work and have shown active support for such ideas in the past,” said Abhijit Bangar, additional municipal commissioner (roads).
Experts and citizens have welcomed the move, calling it a long-overdue step towards upgrading Mumbai’s road infrastructure to global standards while enhancing its visual appeal.
Source: Mid-day
