Mumbai’s civic administration has initiated a major road maintenance exercise by floating tenders worth ₹1.29 billion for repair works on two of the city’s busiest expressways, signalling a shift towards planned, phased upkeep of critical transport corridors. The move is aimed at improving road quality while limiting traffic disruption on routes that serve as lifelines for daily commuters and freight movement.
According to civic officials, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has invited separate bids for microsurfacing works on selected stretches of the Western and Eastern Express Highways. Around ₹690 million has been earmarked for resurfacing a 7.5-kilometre section of the Western Express Highway between Goregaon and Borivali, while approximately ₹600 million has been allocated for a 7.9-kilometre stretch of the Eastern Express Highway connecting Ghatkopar and Chembur. Both highways together form Mumbai’s primary north–south mobility spine, linking residential suburbs with commercial districts. The expressways were brought under the municipal corporation’s direct control in 2023, after being maintained for years by the regional development authority. Since then, civic engineers have been assessing road conditions and traffic patterns to determine a maintenance strategy that balances durability, cost, and commuter convenience. Officials said a full-scale resurfacing of the entire length of both highways in a single phase would be financially intensive and could severely disrupt traffic flow.
Instead, the corporation has opted for annual microsurfacing of priority sections. Microsurfacing involves applying a thin, durable layer over existing road surfaces to restore skid resistance, seal minor cracks, and extend pavement life. “This method allows us to address wear and tear without prolonged lane closures,” said a civic official, adding that the approach is particularly suited to high-traffic corridors like the expressways. Urban transport experts view the strategy as a pragmatic response to Mumbai’s congestion challenges. “Preventive maintenance is far more sustainable than reactive repairs,” said an infrastructure analyst. “Regular microsurfacing reduces long-term costs, lowers material consumption, and helps avoid sudden road failures that cause congestion and emissions from idling vehicles.”
The phased plan also aligns with broader sustainability goals by minimising construction-related emissions and reducing the need for frequent large-scale interventions. With Mumbai increasingly focused on improving public transport and reducing dependence on private vehicles, maintaining smooth arterial roads remains critical for buses, emergency services, and essential logistics. As tendering progresses, commuters are expected to see targeted repair works rolled out over the coming months. Civic authorities have indicated that traffic management plans will accompany each phase to ensure minimal disruption, reinforcing the city’s push towards resilient, efficient, and more liveable urban infrastructure.
BMC Invites Rs 1.29 Billion Bids For Key Mumbai Expressway Repairs
