The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has granted in-principle approval to demolish the Veer Savarkar flyover in Mumbai’s Goregaon, which was constructed just seven years ago.
But the final sanction
for the demolition rests with municipal commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, and it has not yet been issued.
Reason Behind Savarkar Flyover Demolition
The Savarkar flyover is slated for removal to make way for a proposed double-decker bridge as part of the ambitious Versova–Dahisar Link Road (VDLR) project.
The new bridge will connect the Malad-Mindspace stretch of the Mumbai Coastal Road (North) to Dindoshi, said additional municipal commissioner Abhijit Bangar on September 9. The elevated structure is part of the Coastal Road 2 initiative, which aims to link Versova and Dahisar, reported The Times of India.
BMC Approval On Savarkar Flyover
The demolition proposal is pending final approval from the municipal commissioner. If approved, a double-decker bridge supported on a single pier will be constructed to link the Coastal Road with the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road.
Bangar told TOI, “Several options were studied to see which would be the best in terms of efficiency. It was finally decided that a double-decker bridge will take care of both the localised traffic as well as the connector needed from Malad to Dindoshi.”
Traffic Woes For Mumbaikars
In early August, motorists observed piling work for the connector beginning at Dindoshi. Bangar noted that since the bridge will span from Dindoshi to Malad, the Savarkar flyover may not necessarily be demolished during the upcoming fair season, which follows the monsoon, reported TOI. Local residents and drivers are preparing for potential traffic chaos.
Local Residents React To Savarkar Flyover
According to The Free Press Journal, residents and political parties have strongly opposed the BMC’s plan to dismantle the Savarkar flyover, a crucial link between Goregaon and Malad. The announcement has sparked outrage, with fears of severe traffic congestion if the flyover is taken down.
The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has issued a warning, threatening agitation if the civic body proceeds with what it calls a “short-sighted and reckless decision,” reported The Free Press Journal.
With the Savarkar flyover carrying a heavy east-west traffic load, former Goregaon corporator Deepak Thakur told TOI, “We suffered enough when it was built, and now we’re staring at the same nightmare again.”
Congress MLA Aslam Shaikh from Malad also opposed the demolition, noting that “not just Goregaon, even Malad will see severe traffic congestion, and the snarls are expected to intensify whenever demolition begins.”
