Mumbai’s Rs 248-crore Mrinaltai Gore Flyover has come under scrutiny again, this time over complaints from two-wheeler riders who say its unusually smooth surface becomes slippery, particularly during wet conditions, raising concerns about road safety.
The flyover was inaugurated on June 6, 2026, but has faced repeated criticism since its opening. It was earlier reported to have potholes and damaged sections, while the latest concerns relate to the smooth asphalt surface, especially along the arm leading towards Relief Road.
Transport planner Vivek Pai said Mumbai’s road conditions can change significantly because of heavy traffic, rainfall and the materials used during construction. However, he said the Mrinaltai Gore Flyover should not automatically be compared with older roads whose surfaces have become polished over years of traffic.
“Every kind of road is different,” he said. “When you talk about Bandra-Kurla Complex, it is a different kind of road. When you talk about Mrinaltai Gore Flyover, it’s a different kind of road. Each one has its own kind of issues,” he told India Today Digital.
The flyover uses 40-mm-thick mastic asphalt, a material designed to provide a durable and smooth road surface. The BMC has stated that stone chippings are spread across the mastic asphalt to improve friction and skid resistance.
Despite this, motorists have reported an unusually slick surface, with the issue becoming particularly concerning on bends where adequate tyre grip is essential.
“The mastic surface was getting very, very slick. And in addition, you also had this kind of patchiness,” Pai said.
Bitumen Bleeding May Affect Grip
One possible cause of excessive smoothness on asphalt roads is bitumen bleeding. Bitumen binds the aggregate within the road surface, but under certain conditions, excess bitumen can move upwards and form a glossy layer over the aggregate.
“Generally, wherever you have this kind of stickiness, it is because of the asphalt being used,” Pai said. “In technical terms, we call it bleeding of bitumen because of traffic. The bitumen goes to the surface and forms a glossy coat on top, because of which it becomes really smooth,” he added.
Bitumen bleeding differs from aggregate polishing, which occurs when repeated traffic gradually wears down the rough texture of road stones. Both processes, however, can reduce surface texture and affect tyre-road friction.
“So, generally, if you sum it up, it’s basically that the bitumen and the aggregate are actually going out. That is the problem,” Pai said.
The flyover has also reportedly faced concerns over loose stones, uneven patches and surface irregularities. Such issues can pose a greater risk to two-wheelers, particularly during rain.
Pai noted that Mumbai uses different road-building materials and construction techniques across its network.
“Contractors keep experimenting with new materials,” he said. “Sometimes to save money, sometimes something new has come and they think, let’s try this, let’s try that,” Pai added.
With the flyover still relatively new, the complaints have raised questions about surface performance, construction quality and the need for adequate skid resistance to ensure safer travel for Mumbai’s two-wheeler users.
Source: India Today
