Mumbai faces a potential safety hazard as the Andheri flyover on the Western Express Highway (WEH) urgently needs repairs. An audit by VJTI in April flagged critical conditions in the flyover's superstructure, including support pillars. Despite this, repairs have stalled due to a dispute between BMC and MMRTA over responsibilities post-handover of WEH in November 2022. BMC lacks crucial structural details to proceed with INR 95 crore repairs and requests access from MMRTA. With daily traffic exceeding lakhs, swift resolution is crucial. Public safety hinges on collaboration to clarify responsibilities, expedite repairs, and secure the flyover for commuters' safety.
Mumbai commuters face a potential safety hazard as the Andheri flyover on the Western Express Highway (WEH) requires urgent repairs. An audit report by the Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI) in April found the flyover's superstructure, including support pillars, in a critical condition. Despite this, repairs haven't begun due to a dispute between the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).
The issue stems from the recent handover of the WEH from MMRDA to BMC in November 2022. Following the VJTI report, BMC requested permission from MMRDA to remove a reinforced cement concrete (RCC) framework beneath the flyover, where a shopping complex was proposed. However, BMC lacks crucial information like structural drawings and design details to proceed with repairs, estimated to cost around INR 95 crore.
The BMC letter to MMRDA emphasizes the urgency of the situation, citing the potential danger to pedestrians under the flyover. They requested access to structural documents, removal of the concrete structure, and reimbursement for repairs. Additionally, they pointed out a Bombay High Court directive demanding action for deteriorating bridges under MMRDA/PWD, built within the last 30 years.
MMRDA, however, claims no responsibility since the WEH is now under BMC's control. They argue that BMC can remove the structure and obtain necessary documents independently. This disagreement has stalled repairs, leaving the flyover's condition unaddressed.
With daily traffic on the WEH exceeding lakhs of vehicles, the situation demands a swift resolution. Both BMC and MMRDA need to prioritize public safety and work together to expedite repairs. This may involve sharing necessary documents, clarifying approvals for the space under the bridge (around 95 crore), and determining financial responsibility for repairs and the structural audit.
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