The absence of direction signboards on the MMRDA-built Bhayandar flyover is leaving commuters travelling towards Bhayandar West confused and forcing some of them to take a longer route before returning to their intended road, according to a report by Loksatta – Vasai-Virar.
The flyover, located between Deepak Hospital and Bhayandar Phatak in Mira-Bhayandar, is one of three flyovers constructed along the city’s main roads alongside the metro corridor. The structures have been opened to traffic, but the lack of clear directional information on the Bhayandar flyover has created difficulties for motorists approaching the route.
According to the report, the road leading towards Bhayandar West does not come close to the flyover at the point where commuters expect it to. Instead, the flyover continues ahead and descends further along the route. As a result, some commuters enter the flyover after failing to identify the correct direction in time. They then have to proceed towards Bhayandar Phatak, take a longer turn and return to the route leading to Bhayandar West.
Commuters have said that the problem could be addressed through clear signs at the beginning of the flyover and at other important decision points along the approach road. The absence of such signs makes it difficult for motorists to distinguish between the flyover route and the road towards the western side of Bhayandar, particularly before they commit to the elevated carriageway.
The flyover had already faced questions over its design before it was opened. The structure has four lanes at one point but narrows suddenly to two lanes, raising concerns about traffic movement and safety. The administration introduced some measures following those concerns, after which the flyover was opened for vehicles.
The current signboard issue adds an operational problem to the earlier design-related concerns. For commuters, a missed turn does not simply mean a brief delay: the road layout requires them to continue towards Bhayandar Phatak and then take a circuitous route back to their destination. This can add unnecessary distance and increase the possibility of last-minute lane changes or abrupt manoeuvres by drivers trying to correct their route.
Passenger Anil Notiyal has demanded that clear directional signboards be installed at the start of the flyover and at other key locations. The report identifies the installation of these signs as the immediate measure sought by commuters. No further timeline for the installation or an official response from the responsible authority was provided in the supplied report.
