The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has granted in-principle approval to demolish the seven-year-old Veer Savarkar Flyover in Goregaon, despite strong opposition from local residents. The demolition is intended to make way for a double-decker bridge as part of the ambitious Versova–Dahisar Link Road (VDLR) project.
Former corporator Deepak Thakur urged the Municipal Commissioner to reconsider the proposal, highlighting concerns that the demolition could cause severe traffic disruption. “We are not against development, but removing the existing flyover will create chaos. Commuters will face traffic congestion until the new bridge is ready,” Thakur said, adding that he plans to meet the Commissioner within two days.
Local resident Sameer Sawant expressed disappointment with elected representatives, stating, “We were hoping local leaders would intervene, but their promises have yielded no results. We are bracing for the traffic nightmare that will follow demolition.”
A senior civic official explained that retaining the existing flyover was explored, but modifying it would cost nearly the same as constructing a new structure. “The double-decker bridge will support local traffic and act as a crucial link between Malad and Dindoshi,” the official said.
The demolition is not expected to take place immediately after the monsoon, indicating flexibility in the project timeline. Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani noted, “Final approval has not been granted yet, but there appears to be no other viable option.”
The Veer Savarkar Flyover, also known as the MTNL Flyover, was built in 2018 at a cost of Rs 270 million. It connects the Western Express Highway near Radisson Hotel to Rustomjee Ozone, reducing travel time between WEH, Goregaon, and Malad from over 45 minutes to under 10.
The BMC plans to remove the flyover to facilitate Phase 2 of the Mumbai Coastal Road (North), linking Versova to Dahisar and Mindspace-Malad to Dindoshi. Residents and political parties have strongly opposed the move, fearing severe traffic congestion. Last month, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) staged a protest at the flyover against the demolition.?
