Mumbai: Final touches being put on new flyover near domestic airport

Construction of the flyover started in June 2021

Motorists will have to wait a bit longer to utilise the flyover recently constructed on the Western Express Highway (WEH) near the domestic airport flyover by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). The structure, also known as the T1 flyover, was expected to open on February 15. MMRDA officials said that the final touches and installation of signboards on the flyover are underway after which the flyover will be opened.

An MMRDA official who did not wish to be named said, "The work of giving finishing touches and installation of signage is in progress and the flyover will be thrown open for motorists soon." Vile Parle East residents, who did not wish to be named, expressed the fear that the new flyover might lead to traffic jams once it is opened.

On February 14, a BJP MLA from Vile Parle tweeted, "Today, took Presentation of Traffic Simulation Analysis Report from MMRDA regarding Traffic issues to be caused once the proposed T1 ROB is operational. Suggested various options to @MMRDAOfficial and @MTPHereToHelp officials for smooth movement (sic)."

Construction work on the 790-m-long project started in June 2021 at a cost of Rs 48.43 crore (provisional). A few days ago, mid-day reported about the flyover opening on February 15. The MMRDA had decided to construct the two-lane flyover as motorists coming via the Sahar elevated road and going towards Bandra via the WEH get stuck in traffic near the domestic airport flyover signal.

With the construction of the new flyover, which is adjacent to the existing domestic airport flyover, motorists will be able to bypass the signal. In October 2023, the MMRDA successfully completed the launching of steel and PSC (prestressed concrete) girders on the WEH near the T1 junction, part of the flyover connecting the airport and WEH, all while ensuring no disruption to traffic.

It may be noted that the spans account for a total length of 74 metres. The project features a total of eight steel girders, which add up to 74 metres in length. Remarkably, the girders were launched without the need for temporary support from the ground or road level in the middle. "Thanks to the innovative inverted T arrangements on the steel portal beams, the girders could be erected without requiring any temporary support in the middle," the MMRDA had said.