Mumbai: Just four years after its inauguration, the Ghatkopar-Mankhurd Link Road (GMLR) flyover has developed cracks on one of its pillars, leading to a complaint from a Mankhurd-based social activist. However, civic officials have reassured that a structural audit has confirmed the flyover’s stability and safety, and that vehicular movement will continue without disruption.
Flyover Inaugurated in 2021 at Cost of ₹732 Crore
The GMLR flyover which was opened to traffic in 2021 at a cost of Rs 732 crores, is a vital arterial route connecting the Sion-Panvel Highway with the Eastern Express Highway. One of its connecting arms extends towards Deonar, enabling vehicles from Shivaji Nagar to access the flyover and head towards Vashi or Navi Mumbai.
Cracks spotted on Deonar arm of GMLR flyover; BMC begins urgent repairs after VJTI audit | File Photo
Vertical and Horizontal Cracks Captured on Video
Cracks Reported by Mankhurd Activist on Deonar Arm
Faiyaz Ahmed Shaikh, founder of the Govandi Citizen’s Welfare Forum, on Wednesday alerted the BMC about cracks on the Deonar arm of the GMLR flyover. Vertical cracks on plinth beams of support pillars and horizontal cracks on the carriageway base. Shaikh also shared a video of the damage on social media platform X.
Shaikh stated that the bridges department identified the damage to the flyover pillars as a result of sewer work by the civic body’s Sewerage Project Department.
Structural Audit Confirms Stability of Flyover
A senior civic official clarified, "During micro-tunneling for an underground sewer near the flyover’s approach ramp, water pumped from the excavation pit caused soil erosion beneath the foundation wall. This led to cracks in several panels and beams. Following a technical inspection by Veermata Jijabai Technological Institue (VJTI) experts, the Sewerage Project Department has begun repair work as per their recommendations and has been directed to complete it urgently."
