Mumbai: On Wednesday, opposition party leaders voiced their strong opposition to the proposed demolition of the Veer Savarkar Flyover in Goregaon West. They have vowed to oppose the proposal through all possible means.
Flyover Vital For Daily Commuters, Say Locals
Prior to the construction of the flyover, Swami Vivekananda (SV) Road connecting Goregaon and Malad was notorious for severe traffic congestion. Local residents fear that if the flyover is dismantled hastily, it will only worsen the traffic situation until the Mumbai Coastal Road Project Phase 2 -Versova-Dahisar Link Road (VDLR) becomes operational.
Veer Savarkar Flyover in Goregaon West faces backlash over proposed demolition plan | File Photo
RPI, MNS Leaders Call For Rollback Of Demolition Plan
Harish Yadav, Maharashtra Secretary of the Republican Party of India, strongly opposed the proposed demolition, stating, “I have been regularly using this flyover to travel between Goregaon and Malad. Over the past few years, both areas have witnessed rapid population growth, leading to increased traffic congestion. The construction of this flyover brought much-needed relief to thousands of daily commuters. The BMC should reconsider its plan to demolish it and instead explore viable alternatives that do not compromise public convenience. We will formally write to the BMC Commissioner, urging him not to approve this ill-advised proposal.”
Kalyani Jadhav, Divisional President (Vibhag Adhyaksha) of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) from the Dindoshi Assembly Constituency, said, “The flyover has played a key role in decongesting the heavy traffic on SV Road. With several colleges located along this stretch, the flyover provides a convenient and efficient route for commuters, especially students. I will be discussing this issue with senior leaders of my party and will ensure that it is taken up seriously.”
Veer Savarkar Flyover in Goregaon West faces backlash over proposed demolition plan | File Photo
Meanwhile, daily commuter Mahendra Mhatre said, “I have been residing in Goregaon for the past three decades. Traveling from Malad to Goregaon had become increasingly hectic due to heavy traffic over the last ten years. This flyover came as a major relief as it saved us a lot of time. I can’t imagine what the situation will be like once it’s demolished.”
Shri Sawant, another local resident said, “While the VDLR may eventually improve connectivity, who knows how many years it will take to complete the project? In the meantime, we will be forced to deal with the inconvenience caused by the demolition of the MTNL flyover. It’s also painful to see taxpayers' hard-earned money go down the drain due to the BMC’s failed planning.”
BMC Says No Final Decision Yet On Demolition
Abhijeet Bangar, Additional Municipal Commissioner (project) said, "The decision has not been finalised yet, but the option is currently being explored.” Vidya Thakur, the local BJP MLA, who was unaware of the development, said she would gather more information on the matter.
Flyover Cut Commute Time From 45 To 10 Minutes
The flyover is located in Goregaon West and stretches from near the Radisson Hotel along the Western Express Highway (WEH) to the Rustomjee Ozone residential complex. Built in 2018 after a decade-long push, the flyover slashed commute time from over 45 minutes to under 10 minutes for those traveling from the WEH to Goregaon and Malad.
