Vikhroli East-West traffic woes to ease as long-awaited bridge nears opening

Workers set up signal posts and traffic islands at eastern landing of Vikhroli Road Over Bridge to streamline heavy traffic from three directions. Pics/Rajendra B. Aklekar

Six traffic signals, new islands, dividers, and lane markings - the traffic police and the BMC are scrambling to implement a series of traffic management measures at both ends of Vikhroli's newly completed Road Over Bridge (ROB) to avoid bottlenecks. mid-day had earlier reported that the new bridge was likely to create traffic snarls at both junctions - on LBS Road and the Eastern Express Highway - as it connects to busy intersections at Kannamwar Nagar and Tagore Nagar.

Lane markings and traffic islands being painted at the western end of the ROB to ensure smoother vehicle movement

Earlier this week, the BMC announced that construction of the long-pending Vikhroli ROB was complete. Final touches, including installation of traffic signals and surface markings, are currently underway. The bridge spans 615 metres in length and 12 metres in width, and carries four vehicular lanes. Of this, 565 metres were built by the BMC and the remaining 50 metres by the Railways. A footpath runs along the railway portion, though its landings are still incomplete.

When mid-day visited the site on Tuesday, it found six signal posts being installed at the eastern landing of the bridge, where traffic splits in three directions - towards the Eastern Express Highway, Kannamwar Nagar, and Tagore Nagar (RD Deshmukh Marg). Traffic islands are also being built to help guide vehicular movement. Signal activation work was underway at the time.

On the western end, where the bridge merges into LBS Road, new signal posts, dividers, lane markings, and traffic islands were also being set up to streamline traffic flow. East-west connectivity has long been a pain point in this part of the city. Currently, the only road bridges connecting both sides are at Ghatkopar and Kanjurmarg. This forces Vikhroli residents to take lengthy detours. While LBS Road lies in the west, the Eastern Express Highway lies in the east - with no easy link in between until now.

‘Waited 23 years'

Ganesh Mahabal Shetty, local activist

"For 23 years, I have been fighting for this bridge. Since 2002, I've been persistently requesting its construction and following up with authorities. Today, it's finally complete, and soon it will be opened to the public. Heartfelt thanks to the state government, Central government, and BMC for making this long-awaited dream a reality."

Mario Rodrigues, former chairman, Bombay Catholic Sabha (Vikhroli unit)

"Since 2011, after the level crossing shut down, we've been waiting for a bridge to restore connectivity. One major hurdle was an illegal zhunka bhakar stall on the western side, which was holding up work. After mid-day reported the issue, it was removed. Continuous follow-ups with the bridge department and support from former MP Manoj Kotak finally made this happen. We also thank mid-day for keeping the pressure on."

Robert D'Souza, local resident and activist

"The ROB at Vikhroli was initially proposed in 1998 by then Additional Municipal Commissioner Subodh Kumar. The plan received approval after public feedback. Work finally began in December 2019. Due to excavation, MTNL lines on the east were uprooted and still haven't been restored. The ROB, now near completion in 2025, has sharp curves and turns on the west side that may be dangerous for motorists, especially two-wheelers."

Oswald D'Souza, chairman, Bombay Catholic Sabha (Vikhroli Unit)

"The Vikhroli ROB is a class apart and a boon for all Vikhrolikars. Connecting Vikhroli West to Vikhroli East, the bridge will finally become a reality in a few days. Thanks to the relentless efforts of local NGOs, the Catholic Sabha, and concerned authorities, the bridge will reduce travel time drastically. We are grateful to all those who made this dream come true."