Mumbai’s civic administration is reconsidering its proposal to demolish the Veer Savarkar Flyover in Goregaon after facing strong resistance from residents, urban planners, and political groups. The flyover, built only seven years ago at a cost of ₹27 crore, is under review as part of the Versova-Dahisar Link Road (VDLR) double-decker bridge plan.
Officials confirmed that multiple alternatives are now being studied, following rising concerns that dismantling the structure could create severe traffic bottlenecks on Swami Vivekananda Road, which had been notorious for congestion before the flyover was commissioned. The bridge currently provides vital connectivity between the Western Express Highway near Goregaon and Malad, cutting travel time from over 45 minutes to under 10 minutes. Local stakeholders argue that premature demolition of the bridge would not only cause inconvenience to daily commuters but also negate significant public investment in infrastructure. Residents have launched campaigns demanding that the flyover be retained and integrated into the upcoming double-decker bridge rather than razed.
Political outfits across party lines have amplified these concerns, with several leaders visiting the site and cautioning against decisions that could worsen urban traffic woes. Experts in urban planning highlight that projects of this scale must account for both immediate commuter safety and long-term sustainability. They argue that dismantling relatively new infrastructure sends mixed signals about the city’s planning priorities. According to civic officials, five different design alternatives were assessed before the double-decker bridge model was finalised. The chosen plan was projected to ease congestion while linking Mindspace in Malad with Dindoshi in Goregaon, creating a major arterial connector. However, opposition to the demolition has prompted authorities to reopen consultations with project consultants to evaluate whether the existing flyover can be retained within the revised plan.
The debate underscores a wider challenge for Mumbai’s infrastructure strategy: balancing new mega projects with optimising existing assets. Urban mobility experts stress that retaining functional flyovers while building new transport corridors is more cost-effective and environmentally responsible than demolition and reconstruction. Such an approach aligns with the broader goal of moving towards zero-carbon, resource-efficient cities. Civic observers also note that public participation in infrastructure decision-making has gained momentum, reflecting rising urban consciousness about sustainable growth. The flyover controversy highlights the need for authorities to harmonise engineering feasibility, commuter convenience, and long-term urban resilience.
As discussions continue, the future of the Goregaon flyover remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the debate has become emblematic of the push for more accountable and sustainable urban planning in India’s financial capital.
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