Following a serious incident where a slab fell from the Jog Flyover on Mumbai's Western Express Highway, injuring a driver, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has asked the Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA) to address the urgent repairs. A recent Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI) audit found the flyover's superstructure in poor condition. However, BMC hesitates to act due to ongoing legal disputes involving Hiranandani Constructions Pvt Ltd (HCPL), responsible for maintenance since 2005. HCPL, citing INR 64 crore in expenditures and legal issues, has not addressed the repairs. MMRDA, previously overseeing the flyover, is now expected to intervene.
After a serious incident involving a falling slab from the Andheri flyover on the Western Express Highway (WEH) in Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has requested the Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA) to take action on the repairs. The incident, which left a driver injured, has highlighted ongoing concerns about the safety of the flyover, also known as the Jog Flyover.
A recent audit by the Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI) revealed that the flyover's superstructure is in poor condition and requires urgent repairs. Despite this, BMC has hesitated to undertake the repairs itself. The reason for this hesitation is a legal dispute involving Hiranandani Constructions Pvt Ltd (HCPL), which has been responsible for maintaining the flyover since 2005.
According to BMC sources, HCPL has claimed that they have already spent INR 64 crore on the flyover and have cited ongoing legal issues as a reason for not addressing the current problems. The BMC, concerned about the potential liability in case of further incidents, has decided to seek assistance from MMRDA rather than taking direct action.
The situation is complicated further by the fact that the Western Express Highway, including the Jog Flyover, was transferred to BMC's maintenance by the MMRDA in November 2022. Even though the Public Works Department (PWD) originally oversaw the construction and initial maintenance, MMRDA is now the body BMC has approached for help.
Additional Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar explained that BMC's involvement is limited due to the existing legal dispute between HCPL and other parties. He noted that MMRDA, having previously managed the flyover, should have addressed the repairs before the transfer of responsibility.
The Jog Flyover's construction began in 1997-98 under Jog Engineering Ltd (JEL). After facing financial difficulties, JEL settled with HCPL taking over the maintenance duties. Since then, HCPL has managed the flyover and is now seeking permission to use 33,000 square meters of space under the flyover for a commercial complex to help fund ongoing maintenance.
As the BMC continues to navigate this complex situation, the public remains at risk due to the flyover's deteriorating condition. The need for a swift resolution is crucial to ensure safety and prevent further incidents.
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