AdminMumbai’s bustling Savarkar Flyover, a linchpin in the city’s traffic network, is on the brink of a major upgrade as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has called for a second review by the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B). The request, submitted this week, follows an initial inspection by IIT-B engineers that confirmed the feasibility of a double‑decker bridge but left crucial questions about traffic flow and pedestrian safety unanswered.
Background and Context
For over a decade, the Veer Savarkar Flyover, stretching across the congested Goregaon corridor, has eased movements on the S V Road axis and neighboring arteries. However, escalating vehicle volumes and emerging urban mobility patterns have rendered the single‑level structure increasingly inadequate. In early August, the Times of India first reported that the BMC might demolish the existing flyover to accommodate a full‑grade, double‑decker corridor. Public protests and logistical concerns stalled the demolition, forcing the city administration to explore alternative solutions.
The crux of the debate hinges on whether to expand the current flyover into a parallel, higher‑level bridge—essentially a “stack” design—or to replace it entirely. In either case, the project would involve significant engineering challenges, cost implications, and extensive traffic management during construction. A single‑level structure cannot sustain the projected traffic increases, yet a full replacement risks disruptive closures that could paralyse the city’s western corridor.
Key Developments
- Second IIT-B Review Requested. Over the weekend, the BMC called for a subsequent inspection by a transport specialist from IIT-B. While the first review assessed structural integrity, the new call focuses on traffic management and route optimisation.
- Double‑Deck Feasibility Confirmed. IIT-B’s preliminary report indicated that engineering a second bridge at a height of approximately 12 metres above ground is technically viable. However, the design must account for lane merging, signal upgrades, and pedestrian pathways.
- Pedestrian Safety on the Agenda. The proposed design includes dedicated footpaths on both the existing and the new structure—ensuring that pedestrian crossing and safety are not compromised by the raised height.
- Emergency Vehicle Access Assurance. Officials emphasised that the new layout must preserve low‑profile lanes for emergency services and fire brigades under and between the two levels.
- Approval Process Still Pending. While IIT-B has verbally endorsed the design, a formal written approval is still pending. The BMC plans to convene a senior‑officer meeting once both structural and traffic assessments are complete.
Speaking to reporters, a BMC transport officer noted, “Our objective is to arrive at a holistic solution that balances engineering feasibility with practical traffic needs. The second review is a critical step in finalising the plan.”
Impact Analysis
For daily commuters, the proposed flyover expansion promises a smoother flow across the Goregaon–S V Road corridor. Traffic modelling conducted by independent consultants suggests that a double‑decker configuration could reduce average travel time by up to 15 percent during peak hours. This improvement is particularly relevant for residents of western suburbs who rely on this axis to reach business districts, hospitals, and educational institutions.
Students—both domestic and international—who commute via this route could experience less congestion and fewer delays. The design’s inclusion of pedestrian walkways at both levels ensures safe access to schools, colleges, and hostels situated near the flyover. Moreover, a well‑engineered traffic pattern would help maintain consistent public transport schedules, benefiting bus and E‑rickshaw operators who make regular stops in the area.
Nevertheless, the construction phase could bring temporary disruptions. The BMC has indicated that lane closures and detours will be planned to minimise impact, but commuters may still face longer travel times for the duration of the project. Residents who depend on the S V Road for daily commutes, emergency services, or freight deliveries will need to adapt to the evolving traffic landscape.
Expert Insights and Practical Guidance
Urban transport analyst Dr. Priyanka Sharma, who has worked with Mumbai’s transport planning division for over a decade, cautions that “double‑deck projects are complex. Success hinges on meticulous traffic simulations that account for vehicular density, peak‑hour patterns, and adaptive signal control.” She recommends that commuters utilise real‑time navigation apps that update routes based on ongoing changes.
For international students planning to settle in Mumbai, here are several practical tips:
- Plan Alternative Routes. Familiarise yourself with secondary avenues such as Malad Rd, Shivajinagar Road, and the Prabhavati Road feeder lanes. Use mapping services to identify less congested paths during peak hours.
- Leverage Public Transport. The proposed expansion will integrate with the city’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors. Consider using the dedicated BRT lanes along S V Road post‑construction for faster travel.
- Stay Updated. Follow BMC’s official portals and local news outlets for construction schedules, lane reconstructions, and traffic advisories. The BMC occasionally publishes real‑time updates on its Twitter handle.
- Check Student Transport Options. Many universities have arranged shuttle services that operate on fixed schedules. Verify whether these routes will be affected and adjust your timetable accordingly.
- Safety First. The new design provides segregated pedestrian lanes. While crossing the flyover, always use designated walkways—especially during the construction phase when ground traffic may be unpredictable.
City engineers have also suggested that traffic authorities implement adaptive signal timing once both levels are operational, thereby synchronising arterial flow and mitigating bottlenecks at key junctions.
Looking Ahead
Once the second IIT-B review is concluded, the BMC intends to organise a senior‑officer conclave to determine procurement timelines, budget allocations, and construction phases. Preliminary estimates indicate a 12‑month construction window, with a projected cost of ₹750 crores. The BMC has yet to formalise the funding source but expects a mix of municipal bonds and state government grants.
Beyond the immediate upgrades, the mayor’s office has announced a broader plan to modernise Mumbai’s entire western corridor. This includes electrification of bus fleets, expansion of cycle lanes, and the introduction of smart traffic lights. These initiatives, coupled with the Savarkar Flyover expansion, aim to reduce citywide traffic congestion by 20 percent within five years.
For residents and commuters, the project’s long‑term benefits are clear: smoother travel, safer pedestrian corridors, and a bolstered public transport network. However, the transitional period may require patience and flexibility from all stakeholders.
At this juncture, no definitive dates have been released for the commencement of construction. Nonetheless, the BMC has pledged timely dissemination of updates as the project moves from planning to implementation.
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