Mumbai: BMC Seeks IIT-B Nod for Redesigned Double-Decker Bridge to Avoid Goregaon Flyover Demolition
In a recent development, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has submitted a proposal to the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) for technical approval of a revised design for a new double-decker bridge at the Veer Savarkar Bridge junction in Goregaon. This proposal aims to avoid the demolition of the existing flyover, which has faced strong opposition from local residents and elected representatives.
Background of the Proposal
The BMC’s decision to seek a redesign comes after significant local resistance to the initial plan, which involved demolishing the current flyover to make way for the new structure. According to a BMC official, the civic body has revisited the construction methods for the Mindspace-Malad connector to the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR) to accommodate the existing infrastructure.
Technical Feasibility and Design Considerations
The proposal has been forwarded to IIT-B for evaluation, where experts will assess whether the redesigned plan is feasible. The BMC’s internal discussions revealed that demolishing the older bridge would have provided a cleaner structural solution, allowing both decks of the new double-decker bridge to rest on a single pier. However, retaining the existing flyover necessitates the construction of two separate piers, which could reduce road space and narrow the carriageway for motorists.
Community Concerns
Local residents have expressed firm opposition to the demolition of the Savarkar Bridge, arguing that it would lead to significant traffic chaos. The flyover, which was constructed just seven years ago at a cost of ₹27 crore, is credited with alleviating congestion in Goregaon and surrounding areas. Community leaders, including Goregaon MLA Vidya Thakur of the BJP and Malad MLA Aslam Shaikh of the Congress, have publicly opposed the demolition, fearing that it could alienate voters ahead of upcoming civic elections.
Current Progress on the Bridge Construction
Despite the ongoing discussions about the existing flyover, work on the new bridge linking the Mumbai Coastal Road (north) to the GMLR has already commenced on the Dindoshi side. This section of the project is located nearly one kilometer away from the Savarkar Bridge, and the decision regarding the existing flyover will not impact the ongoing construction work at Dindoshi. Piling work has already begun at the site where the connector will merge with the GMLR.
Political Implications
As the BMC navigates this complex situation, the political ramifications are significant. With civic elections on the horizon, local leaders are cautious about making decisions that could provoke backlash from constituents. The opposition to the flyover’s demolition reflects broader concerns about urban planning and infrastructure development in Mumbai, where traffic congestion remains a pressing issue.
Conclusion
The BMC’s proposal to redesign the double-decker bridge at Goregaon represents a critical step in addressing community concerns while attempting to improve urban infrastructure. As IIT-B evaluates the feasibility of the revised design, the outcome will have lasting implications for traffic management and civic satisfaction in the region.
Note: This article is based on information available as of November 2025 and may be subject to change as new developments arise.
