AdminThe Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has submitted a formal proposal to the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT‑B) seeking IIT‑B double‑deck bridge approval for a redesigned bridge at the Veer Savarkar Junction in Goregaon. The new plan would allow the construction of a double‑deck structure without demolishing the existing flyover, a move that could avert months of traffic snarls and a contentious demolition.
Background / Context
For years, commuters in Goregaon and the adjoining Malad and Mulund corridors have struggled with congestion on the Mindspace–Malad connector and the newly‑opened Goregaon‑Mulund Link Road (GMLR). The existing Veer Savarkar Flyover, built in 2018 at a cost of ₹27 crore, was designed as a two‑level overpass to streamline traffic. However, the GMLR project plans a new double‑deck bridge that would require a substantial footprint and potentially force the removal of the flyover.
In 2024, local residents and elected representatives expressed strong disapproval of the proposed demolition, arguing that it would trigger chaotic traffic and undermine the investment in the flyover. The BMC, facing political pressure and public outcry, reassessed its options. The decision to approach IIT‑B comes after a 6‑month consultation period with engineering consultants and the municipal cabinet.
Key Developments
On November 22, 2025, BMC officials released the technical dossier to IIT‑B for review. The proposal showcases an alternative alignment that repositions the new bridge’s lower deck to share a single pier with the existing flyover, effectively eliminating the need to tear down the old structure. The upper deck would be offset by a few meters, allowing additional space for pedestrian walkways and landscaping.
- Design Highlights:
• Single‑pier support for both decks instead of two separate piers.
• 10 m additional clearance for emergency vehicles.
• Integration of smart traffic sensors and LED skyways for safety.
• IIT‑B review slated for December 15, 2025.
• Final approval by March 2026.
• Construction to commence in Q2 2026.
• Project estimate reduced by ₹12 crore due to elimination of demolition works.
• Potential savings in long‑term maintenance of the flyover.
“Following strong opposition from elected representatives and local residents, the BMC revised the approach to the GMLR connector. We have now presented a design that retains the old flyover and achieves the required connectivity,” said a BMC spokesperson, who requested anonymity. The council emphasized that IIT‑B’s technical validation will focus on load calculations, foundation depth, and seismic resilience.
Conversely, interior reports indicate that dismantling the existing flyover could have been structurally cleaner. The double‑deck bridge, if built on a new pile column system separate from the current flyover, would allow a broader carriageway. However, that option would have required 1.5 m of lane width to be added, potentially encroaching on existing roadside property. The revised design reduces these encroachments by 0.7 m per side, preserving road space for pedestrians and local deliveries.
Impact Analysis
The outcome of the IIT‑B approval will resonate across multiple stakeholder groups:
- Commuters & Students: A functional double‑deck bridge without demolition will minimize traffic disruptions during construction. For international students heading to campuses in Goregaon (e.g., IIT Bombay Campuses, Global Education Institutes), smoother commutes mean less travel time and reduced exposure to congestion risks.
- Local Businesses: The reduction in lane width due to the new design may slightly limit delivery vehicle access; however, the elimination of flyover demolition eliminates the 6‑week construction period that previously forced detours. Small retailers near the flyover have expressed relief that deliveries will remain on schedule.
- Environmental & Safety Aspects: By retaining the flyover, the project cuts down on concrete waste, lowering the carbon footprint. The proposed intelligent traffic sensors will integrate with Mumbai’s smart city ecosystem, offering real‑time traffic flow data that can help city planners manage peak congestion.
- Political Landscape: Both BJP and Congress lawmakers in Goregaon and Malad have vocally opposed demolition. Approval of the redesigned plan could assuage political tensions and provide a positive narrative for local electoral campaigns.
Traffic studies by the Transport and Advanced Planning Authority (TAPA) estimate that the current flyover handles approximately 18,000 vehicles per hour during peak times. Maintaining its integrity is vital for sustaining this capacity. The redesigned bridge’s lower deck will carry 7,000 vehicles and 1,200 pedestrians daily, projected to maintain the current traffic flow with a 2–3% efficiency gain.
Expert Insights / Tips
For Students and Residents: Keep an eye on the BMC’s official notifications, especially the “Traffic Management Notice” published on the municipal website. Plan alternate routes for the first 4–6 weeks after the bridge’s construction begins to avoid unexpected detours.
For International Students: If you are traveling from the city center to campuses in Goregaon, use the Mumbai Metro Line 3 (pending completion) as a reliable alternative until the new bridge opens. Many universities provide shuttle services that align with construction timelines; check your institution’s transportation portal for updates.
For Local Businesses: Register for the “Safe Delivery Pass” that BMC is rolling out for a period of 12 months to ensure priority access around the flyover during the construction phase. This pass also offers discounted toll charges on the GMLR corridor.
Engineering consultant Vikas Kumar said, “The single‑pier design is a win‑win: it meets structural safety standards while preserving the current flyover’s load capacity. IIT‑B’s nod will confirm that these calculations withstand Mumbai’s seismic risk class‑2 assessment.”
Looking Ahead
Should IIT‑B grant the approval, the project could set a precedent for other municipal infrastructure undertakings in mega‑cities like Delhi and Bangalore where flyover and bridge co‑existence is a challenge. The success of this model could prompt an updated framework for “co‑habitable” bridge design under the Urban Infrastructure Development and Revitalization Programme (UIDRP).
After the approval, BMC will issue a public tender for a joint venture with civil engineering firms experienced in composite bridge construction. The winning bid will commence excavation by July 2026, with a projected completion date of October 2027.
Policymakers are closely monitoring the project’s progress. The Government of Maharashtra has hinted at a “bridge renaissance” initiative that could fund similar projects across the state by 2028. An independent audit in 2028 will assess cost savings, environmental benefits, and traffic outcomes compared to the original demolition plan.
Conclusion
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