Latest news with #MumbaiCoastalRoadProject
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Why BMC says demolishing structurally sound MTNL flyover for coastal road is the only solution
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC's) decision to demolish a structurally sound flyover in Mumbai's western suburbs has sparked concerns among citizens. The 450m-long MTNL flyover at Goregaon, an extended arm of the Veer Savarkar flyover, was only opened for vehicular movement seven years ago. It is now set to be demolished to make way for the second phase of the Mumbai Coastal Road Project, which will connect Versova with the satellite city of Bhayander. The backstory of the MTNL flyover The Veer Savarkar flyover has been operational since the 1990s. As Goregaon transformed into a commercial hub with several multinational companies setting up base there, it led to a population increase in this part of the city, exacerbating the traffic situation. To decongest the area, the civic body mooted a proposal to construct the MTNL flyover. The MTNL flyover extends towards the western side from the Veer Savarkar flyover that passes over the railway tracks and connects Goregaon East with West. The project was commissioned in 2014, and the flyover became operational in 2018. Built at a cost of Rs 27 crore, the flyover greatly decongested the Goregaon area. Travel time between Radisson near the Western Express Highway (WEH) and Rustomjee Ozone residential complex, which used to take 45 minutes, now takes less than seven minutes after the flyover became operational. Why does the BMC say demolishing the flyover is important? The second phase of the Mumbai Coastal Road Project is a 25 km-long corridor being built at a cost of Rs 20,000 crore. Civic officials say that the position of the MTNL bridge is in alignment with a proposed connector that will facilitate east-west traffic between the coastal road as well as the Goregaon Mulund Link Road (GMLR). The proposal for a coastal road was originally mooted in 1962. Civic officials said that this road was originally planned as a linear north-south corridor; however, during a feasibility study in 2021-22, it was decided that the road would provide east-west connectivity as well as facilitate seamless traffic between GMLR and the coastal road. 'The coastal road is being planned to not only cater to the current traffic strength but also to meet the increasing vehicular density of the future. If east-west connectivity is not provided, the importance of the overall project will be undermined as motorists will again have to climb down from the corridor, then take the minor road before switching to GMLR. This will contribute to vehicular congestion in the suburbs,' a BMC official said. According to civic officials, the MTNL bridge is not a long-term solution to decongest traffic because if a wider carriageway is not provided, this bridge too will become a traffic choke point a few years down the line. MTNL bridge also has a curve alignment, so it is not sustainable to set up an additional connector on it, an official said. 'The MTNL bridge is very narrow and tight…it has only three vehicular lanes and no divider. Even if we decide to keep this bridge and parallelly start construction of a new bridge, it will not be possible. The area is so congested that we will not be able to erect our piers. Therefore, it is important to bring the bridge down,' the official further said. 'This flyover was commissioned as part of a hyperlocal solution to traffic congestion. The coastal road connector will solve the entire traffic solution of this area, providing a holistic solution,' the official added. What will come in place of this flyover? Civic officials said that after the MTNL flyover is demolished, a new double-decker bridge will be constructed in its place. This bridge will have wider carriageways and will be able to facilitate a higher density of traffic. While the first deck will facilitate vehicles travelling east-west, the second deck will facilitate connectivity between the coastal road and GMLR. 'The lower deck will have the usual vehicular route that the MTNL flyover provided. The second deck will provide the new connection from where vehicles traveling towards the eastern suburbs can directly enter the GMLR without having them switch to WEH. This flyover will pass above the WEH in the same manner as the cable-stayed bridge of Metro line 1 passes above the WEH near Andheri,' the official explained. A civic official said that the feasibility study of the new bridge has been completed and has been sent for approval. After a cost-benefit ratio has been calculated, the official cost of building this bridge will be taken into consideration, he added.
News18
6 days ago
- Business
- News18
Mumbai Coastal Road: Why BMC Wants To Deploy 200 Extra Engineers For Versova-Dahisar Link Road
The 22.9 km Versova-Dahisar Link Road is the second phase of Mumbai's Coastal Road, connecting North Versova all the way to Dahisar Taking note of infrastructure projects such as the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR), Madh-Versova bridge and reconstruction of other bridges currently underway, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has proposed deployment of around 200 additional officers to supervise the Versova-Dahisar Link Road (VDLR) project. The proposal is currently awaiting administrative approval from Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, the Free Press Journal reported. Acting on the state's orders, the BMC has expedited Phase II of the Mumbai Coastal Road Project (MCRP). The 20-km Versova-Dahisar Link Road (VDLR), costing Rs 16,621 crore, aims to ease traffic congestion. Additionally, a 5.6-km, 45m-wide elevated road from Dahisar to Bhayandar will be built at Rs 3,304 crore. Work begins in August 2025 and is expected to finish by December 2028. The BMC has created a dedicated department for the construction and maintenance of the 10.58 km Phase I of the MCRP, stretching from Marine Drive to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. The Versova–Dahisar Link Road: Mumbai coastal road phase II The 22.9 km Versova-Dahisar Link Road is the second phase of Mumbai's Coastal Road, connecting North Versova all the way to Dahisar. The BMC has issued work orders for the VDLR under the overall Coastal Road scheme, comprising multiple packages and designed as an extension northward from the existing southern Coastal Road segment toward Bhayander, according to reports. It will be a mix of double elevated roads, roads on stilts, cable-stayed bridge, cut-and-cover tunnels. It will connect to Bandra-Versova Sea Link and Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR). The MCZMA formally approved the Phase 2 alignment (Versova to Dahisar and further to Bhayander) in September 2024. While CRZ clearance has been secured, construction is pending additional approvals from the MoEFCC, Bombay High Court, forest department, and clearance regarding mangrove diversion. Once completed, the Coastal Road will enable signal-free, controlled connectivity from Nariman Point through Worli, Bandra, Versova, Dahisar, and up to Bhayandar/Virar, dramatically cutting travel times and easing congestion across the Western Suburbs. It is expected to be completed around December 2028. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
6 days ago
- Automotive
- News18
Goregaon MTNL Flyover To Be Razed For Mumbai Coastal Road: How It Will Affect Your Daily Commute
Last Updated: Mumbai Coastal Road: How did Goregaon MTNL flyover become crucial east-west link within 7 years? How will the demolition impact Mumbai travellers and traffic? The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is all set to dismantle the Veer Savarkar flyover in Goregaon, just seven years after it was opened to traffic. The structure, built at a cost of Rs 27 crore, is set to make way for a key elevated connector as part of the Versova-Dahisar stretch of Coastal Road Phase 2, the TOI reported. The 460-500 meter Savarkar flyover, also known locally as the MTNL flyover, was inaugurated in August 2018 and serves as a crucial link for east-west traffic in the western suburbs. Stretching between Radisson Hotel and Rustomjee Ozone, the flyover significantly reduced traffic congestion in the region. It links S.V. Road near MTNL Junction to New Link Road, providing crucial connectivity to the Western Express Highway (WEH). The structure has three lanes. The construction began in 2015 and was completed in July 2018. What will come in its place? How will it link to coastal road? In its place, a two-tiered flyover has been proposed—its upper deck to act as the coastal road connector, and the lower deck to function as the reconfigured Savarkar flyover. A formal proposal is being prepared for approval from the municipal commissioner. The segment from Mindspace to Dindoshi is part of a larger infrastructure package designed to link western suburbs with the GMLR tunnels and beyond to the eastern suburbs. How will the demolition impact Mumbai travellers? The current flyover had cut commute times drastically and its absence, even temporarily, could impact thousands of daily commuters travelling to Malad, Madh, and Marve. A section of residents also fears that the demolition process and upcoming construction may result in prolonged bottlenecks and dust pollution. The Versova-Dahisar coastal road This segment, also known as the Versova–Dahisar Link Road (VDLR), is part of Phase 2 of the Mumbai Coastal Road Project, stretching approximately 22.9 km from Versova up to Dahisar. The route includes elevated roads, a cable-stayed bridge, underground tunnels, ramps, and interconnectors with the Goregaon–Mulund Link Road (GMLR). The total project cost is estimated at Rs 16,621 crore (rising up to Rs 32,000 crore including taxes and related infrastructure). With Agency Inputs First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Indian Express
01-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Crucial stage 1 approval granted for north phase of coastal road
IN A boost to the second phase of Mumbai Coastal Road Project, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has granted the Stage-1 (in-principle) approval for the mangrove forest diversion proposal for the development of the project. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is now set to approach the High Court, whose approval will pave the way for the construction of the next phase of the project which spans from Versova to Bhayandar. A crucial clearance for the civic body, the stage 1 approval was granted on June 19. Set to connect Versova in the western suburbs with the satellite city of Bhayandar, the north phase of the Coastal Road Project encompasses interchanges, elevated roads and twin tunnels. The mega project passes through land and creeks with most of the area falling under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ). Nearly 8.24 hectares of mangrove forest area will be permanently affected to develop the project with at least 9,000 mangrove trees set to be cut and over 36,000 mangrove trees to be affected. So far, the civic body has procured environmental clearances and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the central as well as the state government for the project. In November 2024, the CRZ permissions were acquired from the union ministry of environment, forest and climate change. Having now procured the in-principle Stage 1 approvals for the mangrove forest land diversion from the MOEFCC, the BMC is set to approach the High Court to acquire their permissions. For perspective, the Stage 1 (in-principle) approvals from the central government is the first step towards diverting forest land for non-forest purposes, followed by Stage 2 clearances. According to civic officials, the actual work on the project will commence after the working permissions from the High Court is acquired. Speaking to The Indian Express, a senior official said, 'We have already acquired permissions such as from the CRZ. On June 19, we also received the stage 1 in-principle clearance from MOEFCC which marks a crucial approval for the project. After this, we will now approach the High Court, who will grant the permission. Following this, once the working permission is acquired, we will commence the project works. Eventually, the stage 2 clearance will be granted.' Earlier on June 27, the chief minister's office (CMO) directed the BMC to complete land acquisition for the Mumbai Coastal Road Project (Phase 2) within the next 15 days. For the said project, the BMC will be reclaiming 165 hectares of land between Versova and Bhayander. On Tuesday, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar also took a review meeting of the developments with senior civic officials from the bridge department. The project is proposed to reduce the current travel time between Versova and Bhayandar of 90 – 120 minutes to a mere 20 minutes. Amid large parcels of mangrove forests pegged to be impacted for the project, the Mumbai Mangrove Cell (MMC) has charted a comprehensive plan to compensate for the mangrove trees in a project, which will be implemented by the Mangrove Cell. As per the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority norms, over 1.37 lakh mangrove trees are proposed to be planted while the BMC is also set to implement a comprehensive mangrove restoration plan. Meanwhile, the civic body has also charted plans to establish a nursery to develop new mangrove trees while MMF will carry out afforestation of mangrove trees over 31 hectares of land in Bhayandar Gaon. Besides this, the BMC will also transfer non-forest areas of equal proportion for forest development. Pegged at an estimated cost of Rs. 20,000 crore, the proposed second phase of the coastal road has been divided into six different packages. Package A will cover 4.5 KMs between Versova and Bangur Nagar (Goregaon), package B will cover 1.66 KM between Bangur Nagar and Mindspace (Malad). The packages C and D will include twin tunnels – 3.9 KM long – connecting mindspace at Malad with Charkop in Kandivali. Package E will be 3.78 KMs, connecting Charkop with Gorai and the final package F will be 3.69 KMs will connect Gorai with Dahisar. From Dahisar, the civic authorities are constructing another 5.6 KM elevated corridor that will extend till Bhayander at Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
India Today
21-06-2025
- General
- India Today
People's pedagogy Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai
With fieldwork, diversity and cutting-edge research, TISS leads the way in creating socially conscious, impact-driven professionals TATA INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES , Mumbai 5 REASONS WHY IT IS THE BEST Offering a curriculum revised to reflect changing times, needs and societal concerns. After eight decades of running a lauded master's programme, TISS finally added a four-year bachelor's programme last year. Known for giving equal weight to people and practical skills, the institute has recently prioritised the research component by allotting it additional credits. Learning from an experienced faculty: Thirty-seven professors have spent over two decades teaching and also possess field experience. Last year alone, they collectively published 52 articles in international journals and 40 in national journals, in addition to authoring six books. The pedagogy is designed not just to make lessons engaging but also to encourage critical thinking and problem-solving. Being on the TISS campus is like being part of a mini India. Of the 251 students admitted last year, 190 came from outside Maharashtra. The diverse environment exposes students to varied cultures and traditions, with classmates from across caste, class and gender lines. To imbibe the key facets of social work, which include compassion, integrity, intervention and service, students need to be active in the field. Currently, TISS SoSW Mumbai has 300 fieldwork partners across the country—from state government departments and civil society organisations to non-governmental organisations and communities—working to make an impact. TISS holds credence among various stakeholders, including the government and judiciary. The Bombay High Court recently praised its report on the Mumbai Coastal Road Project (South), which examined the impact on fisherfolk, while its professor, Dr Pekham Basu, was appointed to a Supreme Court committee investigating a POCSO-related matter. Additionally, its Field Action Projects, such as the Special Cell for Women initiative, run in collaboration with the Mumbai Police, place and train social workers within the police system to provide psychosocial-legal support to women facing violence. The model has since been replicated in several states.
