Mumbai Flyover Narrows from Four Lanes to Two Amid Criticism; MMRDA Defends Design Choice

A newly-constructed flyover in Mira-Bhayandar narrows from four lanes to two, prompting criticism over safety and planning. MMRDA asserts this design was intentional due to space constraints.

A newly built flyover in Mira-Bhayandar, near Mumbai, has sparked criticism due to its design, which narrows from four lanes to two. Concerns have been raised about planning, traffic flow, and commuter safety. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) stated that this transition is intentional and not a design flaw.

After a video of the flyover went viral on social media, many users mocked the design and expressed concerns about potential traffic jams or accidents. The MMRDA explained that the narrowing was due to space constraints. They are responsible for planning and developing the Mumbai metropolitan region and constructed this double-decker flyover in Bhayandar.

Design Criticism and Social Media Reaction

The flyover's design has drawn comparisons to a problematic Rail Over Bridge in Bhopal, which had a sharp 90-degree turn. This led to the suspension of seven engineers by the Madhya Pradesh government. A user on X shared the video of the Bhayandar flyover, commenting on the sudden lane reduction as an "engineering marvel."

The Congress party's X handle criticised the BJP governments, stating that such "life-threatening miracles" have become common under their rule. The MMRDA clarified that the transition from four lanes to two was planned with future expansions in mind. Two lanes are intended for Bhayandar East, while two additional lanes will connect to Bhayandar West in the future.

Political Reactions and Future Plans

Shiv Sena UBT leader Aaditya Thackeray criticised the MMRDA's defence of the design. He sarcastically suggested that this "masterpiece" might be taught to other countries by next year. Thackeray questioned how such designs get approved and highlighted potential chaos from lane reductions.

YouTuber Pushpendra Singh also expressed disbelief at the sudden narrowing of lanes without proper merging ramps. He compared it to another problematic road design in Bhopal. Writer Rakesh Krishnan Simha mentioned a similar road design that led to former TATA chairman Cyrus Mistry's death.

MMRDA's Justification and Future Expansion

The MMRDA stated that the outer lanes are part of future plans for extending towards Bhayandar West across the Western Railway line. They emphasised that the current configuration is temporary and aligns with future planning requirements.

The authority maintained that the transition does not occur abruptly but follows a planned alignment. However, critics argue that any reduction in lanes could lead to traffic chaos regardless of future plans.

This controversy highlights ongoing concerns about infrastructure planning and safety in rapidly growing urban areas like Mumbai. As discussions continue, authorities may need to reassess their approach to ensure safer and more efficient designs for commuters.

With inputs from PTI