Mumbai’s 650-metre Vidyavihar flyover is set to open to traffic by October 10, creating a direct east-west connection between Ramchandra Chemburkar Road and Lal Bahadur Shastri Road across the railway tracks, according to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Major civil works have been completed, while noise-barrier installation and other final preparations are underway.
The two-lane flyover includes a 100-metre bridge over the railway tracks, supported by approach roads measuring 220 metres on the eastern side and 330 metres on the western side. The BMC expects the link to ease traffic movement around Vidyavihar railway station, where road users currently depend on routes that do not provide a direct crossing between the eastern and western sides.
Additional municipal commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar inspected the structure with traffic police officials and reviewed arrangements around the project site. He directed the BMC and traffic police to coordinate traffic-management measures before the opening and to ensure that vehicles can move safely once the flyover becomes operational.
The civic body said painting, lighting, roadwork and other major finishing activities have been completed. Noise barriers are now being installed, an intervention intended to reduce the impact of traffic noise on residents living near the flyover. The barriers are among the final works being carried out before the structure is opened for public use.
The project also includes changes to pedestrian access at Vidyavihar railway station. A connection has been provided between the flyover and the station footpaths. The ticket-window areas on both sides, the station master’s office and staircases have been reconstructed as part of the work. A pedestrian pathway within the railway premises has also been connected to the service road through a staircase.
Traffic arrangements will remain a key operational requirement after the opening. Bangar instructed officials to install directional signboards and place barricades wherever necessary, while coordinating with the traffic police for traffic regulation. Officials have also been asked to prevent congestion from building up on the approach roads during peak hours.
The next steps are the completion of noise-barrier installation, final coordination between the BMC and traffic police, and the implementation of signage and peak-hour traffic measures ahead of the planned October 10 opening.
