Mumbai BMC plans four lane JVLR underpass to ease traffic
Mumbai JVLR underpass, Mumbai BMC projects, Mumbai traffic congestion, Mumbai pedestrian safety, Mumbai infrastructure, JVLR underpass plan, Mumbai civic developmentMumbai is set to witness a significant infrastructural shift as the city’s civic body has cleared the construction of a four-lane underpass at the Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road (JVLR) junction.
The project, designed on the model of the existing Metro Cinema underpass at Marine Lines, aims to ease relentless congestion and provide accident-free pedestrian crossings in one of the city’s busiest corridors. Officials have confirmed that administrative approvals have been secured and consultants are already on board to initiate the work.The JVLR corridor has long been a flashpoint for traffic bottlenecks, particularly during peak hours, with thousands of vehicles clogging the arterial road daily. For pedestrians, crossing the junction has been fraught with risk, with recurring reports of near-miss incidents. The underpass is expected to change that by ensuring smoother vehicular flow while offering pedestrians a safer, grade-separated passage.
Urban experts argue that the project is not just about decongestion but about shaping Mumbai’s evolution into a city that prioritises sustainable and equitable mobility. A civic official noted that the underpass will be designed with carbon-conscious engineering practices, ensuring reduced idle time for vehicles and lower emissions in the locality. “This is about safety and sustainability working together,” the official said.
The approval came as part of a broader high-level meeting at the civic headquarters, where over 30 pressing issues of the North West constituency were addressed. Alongside the underpass, plans were advanced for a new bridge to connect Madh and Marve, an upgraded sewage treatment plant at Versova Creek, and the redevelopment of longstanding market complexes. Each of these proposals reflects an integrated approach to infrastructure, balancing environmental considerations with urban growth.
Healthcare access also featured strongly in the meeting, with the announcement of new affiliations between key trauma centres and municipal hospitals, supported by expanded intensive care facilities. Civic administrators underlined that infrastructure cannot be planned in isolation from public health, a lesson underscored by the pandemic years.Education reforms were another highlight, with commitments to phase in Central Board curriculum across municipal schools. Civic experts say this will broaden academic opportunities for students, helping municipal education compete with private institutions, and strengthen social equity in the long term.
The JVLR underpass, however, stands out as an emblematic move in tackling Mumbai’s daily grind of traffic and safety hazards. For residents and commuters, it promises not just faster travel but a fairer and more humane urban experience. For planners, it represents a step closer to a city blueprint that foregrounds sustainability, safety, and inclusivity.
