Mumbai News: Caution for Commuters, Ghodbunder Road Flyovers Set for Temporary Closure Amid Repair Works
Mumbai News: Caution for Commuters, Ghodbunder Road Flyovers Set for Temporary Closure Amid Repair Works
Travellers using Ghodbunder Road to commute between western Mumbai suburbs, Gujarat, Navi Mumbai, Nashik, Pune and Thane may experience disruptions.
11th June 2024
Officials have stated that repair works may necessitate the temporary closure of three arterial flyovers along Ghodbunder Road at the junctions of Patlipada, Manpada and Majiwada in the upcoming days.
As a result, travellers using Ghodbunder Road to commute between western Mumbai suburbs, Gujarat, Navi Mumbai, Nashik, Pune and Thane may experience disruptions. Outbound traffic, including heavy freight vehicles, from these four-lane bridges will need to be redirected onto the inbound lanes of the highway, contributing to increased congestion.
According to plans from the Public Works Department (PWD), repairs are needed for sections of three operational flyovers along Ghodbunder Road: Patlipada, Manpada and Kapurbawdi-Majiwada junctions. The repairs primarily involve laying a new mastic layer to ensure a smoother ride, especially during rainy conditions. A tender worth Rs 5.91 crore has been approved for this purpose, as confirmed by officials.
The critical nature of the situation stems from Ghodbunder Road being the sole alternative route connecting the eastern and western express highways beyond Thane. This road is heavily utilised by motorists, transport buses and freight vehicles, particularly those travelling to and from JNPT. Concerns arise because with several highway lanes already obstructed for metro work towards Borivali side, the commute is anticipated to be extremely challenging, potentially resembling a nightmare, according to regular commuters.
The Public Works Department (PWD) emphasised that these works are essential to prevent the road surface of the decades-old structures from sustaining damage during the rainy season.
A PWD official, speaking anonymously to The Times of India, mentioned that the schedule for the repairs was delayed due to the Lok Sabha elections and ongoing works at Gaimukh ghat. They stated that an eight-day block would be necessary to finish the work and that plans are being devised to minimise inconvenience to commuters by conducting the work primarily during nighttime hours. Additionally, they suggested prioritising the repair of the Patlipada flyover and indicated that a finalised schedule would be determined after consultation with the Thane traffic police.
