In the face of heavy rainfall between July and September 2023, the Andheri subway was forced to close 21 times due to water accumulation, foreshadowing similar challenges for the upcoming year. Despite ongoing nullah-widening projects valued at Rs. 100 crore, relief remains distant, with completion not expected before 2026. Last year, during the closure of the vital east-west connector Gokhale Bridge, the Andheri subway stood as the sole alternative for commuters traversing both directions.
To address the chronic flooding plaguing the Andheri subway, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) initiated tenders totalling Rs. 100 crore for three critical projects in August 2022. These projects entail widening the Mogra nullah from SV Road to Veera Desai Road, diverting the nullah from the south side of Bhardawadi Culvert on JP Road to DN Nagar Metro station up to Crystal Point Mall, and redirecting the nullah at Veera Desai Road to the courtyard junction leading to the RTO junction until City Mall. Anticipated to span 18 months, excluding the monsoon period, the completion timeline for these projects underscores the long road ahead in mitigating flooding risks.
A BMC official said “The work is going on and you can see it while travelling in Andheri. The phase of SV Road to Veera Desai Road may be completed by 2025 but the other two phases will be completed in 2026. But we fear it will not be enough as the nullah cannot accommodate the flow of water coming rapidly from the east side amid heavy rainfall. It has to be widened but it is not possible due to structures on both sides.”
Another officer said the BMC is looking for a solution while laying an additional six by 2.5-foot or 125-sq-ft drain line to divert and discharge the heavy flow of water. The project report is ready and the work in two phases will require Rs 400 crore. “The work needed approval from the newly appointed additional commissioner. Once he approves it, we will float tenders after the elections,” said the official. Previous attempts, such as employing a high-capacity water pump, have yielded suboptimal outcomes. The objective of the pump is to channel water into a larger conduit or the sea; however, logistical constraints, including the distance to the sea and narrow drains, have hindered its effectiveness.
The proposal for a Mogra pumping station, initially outlined in the BRIMSTOWAD project following the 2005 flood, has encountered significant hurdles, including a land dispute under review by the Bombay High Court. Despite these challenges, the BMC remains committed to resolving the longstanding issue of Andheri subway flooding, albeit with a cautious acknowledgment of the complexities involved. As the city grapples with its infrastructure shortcomings, the quest for sustainable solutions continues, underscoring the imperative of timely project execution to safeguard against recurring disruptions.
