Work on Kherwadi flyover to start mid-oct; traffic cops still to give nod

MUMBAI: After a wait of five years, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has decided to start the construction of the Kherwadi flyover by mid-october.

However, the development authority is still to get permission from the traffic police department.

Once constructed, the 2.5-km Kherwadi flyover will ensure smooth dispersal of traffic, which, in turn, will reduce the travel time significantly.

But here is the bad news: during construction, motorists will have to face major snarls and hassles especially during peak hours.

According to officials, the southbound side of the flyover (heading towards Dadar) will be constructed first and is expected to be completed in a year.

Ashwini Bhide, additional commissioner, MMRDA, said, routes that can be used during the first phase of construction. Also, we are holding talks with the traffic police and are expecting to get permission soon. Actual construction will start by October 15.”

As the construction work is expected to block one or two lanes on the southbound side of the Western Express Highway (WEH), the MMRDA has decided to use the service road for dispersal of traffic going towards Kalanagar.

However, the traffic police said they may take more time to give permission. Vakola traffic police unit, said, “The MMRDA hasn’t given us all the necessary documents, including the traffic diversion plan. We have not finalised the alternative routes. So the permission may not be issued before November.”

The stretch from Kalanagar junction to Vakola flyover sees major jams during peak hours, as traffic from both sides come to halt at the signal at Kherwadi junction.

The six-lane Kherwadi flyover will start at the Government Polytechnic College and end about 100m before the