Kherwadi flyover brings relief, but still unfinished

While the three southbound lanes of the Kherwadi flyover on the Western Express Highway reduced commute time for motorists in the morning yesterday, work on the flyover is still not complete.

While the flyover helped ease the traffic at the perennially busy Kherwadi junction, labourers are still applying paint to it. Pics/Kaushik Thanekar

The stretch between Khar and Bandra saw less traffic during the morning peak hours - those going towards Dadar, Worli and beyond skip the busy Kherwadi junction. However, those travelling towards Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) and Dadar still have to stop at the signal below, as the road that goes towards these areas has been closed off.

Those who were earlier able to take the Kalanagar flyover by taking a left turn by coming from Bandra Government Colony will also be not able use the flyover, as barricades that have been put up between the southbound end of the Kherwadi flyover and beginning of the northbound patch of the bridge.

However, the flyover itself hasn't been completed. mid-day saw workers painting it, and putting final touches. Scaffolding is also still standing near the structure. This paper had reported on this yesterday, saying that
the bridge had been inaugurated without finishing it in totality.

When questioned when the bridge would be completed in its true sense, MMRDA Chief Engineer Sharad Sabnis said, "Workers are giving final touches and painting the bridge. We expect this to be completed in less than two weeks.

The bridge was thrown open so that motorists get relief from traffic. On Tuesday there was no traffic jam and this proves that the decision to open the flyover was taken in public interest."