Mumbai’s civic authorities have intensified clearance and reconstruction work along the Andheri–Ghatkopar Link Road (AGLR), a corridor considered essential for strengthening east–west connectivity and reducing traffic congestion in one of the city’s densest mobility zones. As part of the latest phase, the administration has removed 24 structures near the Ghatkopar railway station and initiated the demolition of 35 additional properties that fall within the planned alignment of the upgraded road and a new cable-stayed rail overbridge.
The AGLR, which connects the Western Express Highway to the Eastern Express Highway through a busy residential and commercial belt, has faced prolonged delays due to nearly 250 structures obstructing road-widening and bridge works. A civic official confirmed that the local ward has cleared more than 100 structures over the past year, adding that formal notices and compensation had been provided to the affected households and businesses prior to removal. At the heart of the redevelopment is a new rail overbridge being constructed by the state infrastructure development corporation, with funding support from the city administration. The cable-stayed structure, extending approximately 216 metres and designed with three traffic lanes in each direction, aims to streamline vehicle movement and reduce congestion around the Ghatkopar station precinct. The bridge is also expected to offer safer pedestrian access, a concern frequently highlighted by mobility experts after recent bridge-related incidents in the city.
Parallel to this, the civic body is laying a 15.25-metre-wide link road running adjacent to Ghatkopar (West) station. This connector, stretching from Jhunjhunwala College to the AGLR, is intended to improve last-mile movement for residents and ease pressure on internal roads currently blocked by informal structures. According to officials, clearing encroachments on the approach roads has been the most significant barrier to steady progress. A previous structural audit of the existing bridge in the area, conducted in the aftermath of a major bridge collapse elsewhere in the city, highlighted severe overloading and recommended comprehensive repairs. This assessment accelerated the decision to replace the bridge entirely rather than carry out piecemeal strengthening. Industry specialists note that such infrastructure upgrades are critical for the long-term resilience of Mumbai’s mobility network, especially as the city transitions towards more sustainable and equitable movement patterns.
Despite the work order being issued in 2022, continued encroachment-related hurdles have pushed the expected completion date from late 2025 to mid-2027. Officials emphasise that the ongoing clearance drives are essential to avoid further delays. Urban planners also underline the need for integrated rehabilitation strategies that prioritise vulnerable communities, ensuring that infrastructure expansion aligns with inclusive city-building principles. As Mumbai continues to grow vertically and horizontally, capacity enhancements along major corridors such as the AGLR will play a central role in managing rising mobility demand while supporting safer, climate-resilient, and socially equitable transport infrastructure.
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