Veer Savarkar Flyover in Goregaon, built in 2018, faces demolition amid public opposition | File Photo
Mumbai: There is public outrage over BMC’s proposal to demolish Veer Savarkar flyover, Goregaon, which was built just seven years ago at a cost of Rs 27 cr. The flyover provides a crucial connect between Goregaon west and east and is used by thousands of vehicles daily. It is sought to be demolished apparently because it comes in the way of the Versova-Dahisar coastal road Phase II.
Citizens Slam BMC’s Move as Wasteful and Illogical
Said Dr Avisha Kulkarni, an activist: “The demolition will prove to be a total disaster since it will cause unimaginable traffic snarls in both sides of Goregaon. It was built following a long-standing demand of local citizens. It is grossly absurd that it is now sought to be demolished. The money spent on it, Rs 27 cr, will go down the drain. We will not permit the demolition.”
Others slamming the BMC for “failed planning and wasteful spending.” This isn’t development, but destruction of public money. They blamed a nexus of BMC staffers and contractors for this decision since it meant huge kickbacks. Former corporators are now pushing to stop the demolition and save a structure that still serves thousands daily. They said the high court will be moved if the BMC goes ahead with its decision.
The Veer Savarkar Flyover, locally known as the MTNL Flyover, is located in Goregaon West and stretches from near the Radisson Hotel along the WEH to the Rustomjee Ozone residential complex. Built in 2018 after a decade-long push, the flyover slashed commute time from over 45 minutes to under 10 minutes for those traveling from the WEH to Goregaon and Malad.
Ex-Corporators Threaten Legal Action to Save Flyover
Sneha Jhagde, former local corporator from Congress, said, “If this flyover goes, the traffic chaos will return especially with so many schools and colleges in the area. We fought hard for this, and we won’t let it go without a fight.” She added that she will take up the issue with her party and decide the next course of action.
Deepak Thakur, former BJP corporator from Goregaon, stated, “We are not against development, but this flyover was built specifically to ease traffic congestion in the Goregaon and Malad areas. Demolishing it defeats its entire purpose. We will soon convene a meeting with local residents to discuss the way forward.”
Vinod Gholap, President, Fight for Right Foundation questioned the logic behind the move: “The Coastal Road Phase 2 has been in the pipeline for years—how is the BMC only now realising it needs to demolish a flyover built just seven years ago. This is a blatant waste of public money, and such mismanagement should not be tolerated.”
Dilip Shinde, from Goregaon, criticised the growing trend: “This practice has picked up in recent years. With no corporators or statutory committees currently in place at the BMC to scrutinise or oppose such proposals, the administration is functioning unchecked and making decisions at its own whim. Taxpayers must hold the BMC accountable for wasting crores of public funds due to reckless and short-sighted planning.”
A senior civic official stated, “When the MTNL flyover was initially planned, there was no provision for a direct connection between the Versova-Dahisar Link Road and the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR), as these two projects were developed separately. The updated plan now includes a proposal to link these corridors, enabling motorists to have direct east-west access.”
BMC Says New Double-Decker Structure Planned at Site
The official further explained, “This proposal has been under review for nearly eight months. We explored every possible solution to preserve the flyover, but since no alternatives remain, we have recommended its demolition. The proposal is still pending administrative approval.”
As a replacement, a double-decker flyover has been designed to facilitate vehicle movement between Mindspace and Dindoshi, at the site of the existing flyover. Abhijeet Bangar, additional municipal commissioner (projects) was not available for comment.
Phase 2 of the coastal road will feature underground tunnels, a cable-stayed bridge, and vehicular interchanges to enhance north-south connectivity. Civil work is set to begin in the first week of September, including machinery mobilisation and casting yard setup.
Tunnel boring to link Mindspace (Malad) and Charkop will start next year, with the tunnel boring machine expected to arrive early next year. The project will also connect with the GMLR, improving east-west connectivity.
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