The ongoing construction of the Ghatkopar road overbridge in Mumbai is undergoing a redesign following the completion of approximately 30 per cent of the project. This revision includes plans to partially demolish three pier caps to facilitate a two-tier bridge configuration. The bridge aims to enhance connectivity between Ghatkopar East, which links to the Eastern Express Highway, and Ghatkopar West leading to LBS Marg on the Andheri side.

The redesign of the Ghatkopar bridge was prompted by traffic issues experienced shortly after the recent opening of the Barapullah Phase III in Delhi, which quickly became congested at a merger point with the existing corridor. In Mumbai, both the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (MRIDC) are collaborating on a revised plan aimed at segregating local traffic from longer-distance vehicles travelling between Andheri and the Eastern Express Highway.

The adjusted design shall include a secondary road overbridge at the current road level, located between Shreyas (LBS) Junction and Pant Nagar Junction, and will extend over the Central Railway line. This lower-level bridge is expected to cater primarily to local commuters moving between Ghatkopar East and West, while the main cable-stayed bridge will be elevated to accommodate longer-distance transit during peak hours.

Impact on Current Structures

In addition, the revised design will enhance vertical clearance at the affected piers from four metres to 5.5 metres, enabling the passage of heavier vehicles. According to MRIDC officials, this redesign aims to prevent local residents from being affected by through traffic, thus removing the need for longer detours when travelling between the two sides of Ghatkopar.

Under the previous arrangement, residents of Ghatkopar’s western side were required to travel towards the approach road at Shreyas Junction, execute a U-turn, and then proceed across the railway bridge towards Ghatkopar East. The redesign has raised concerns among locals as traffic congestion and delays persist in the area. Particularly, parents of school-going children have expressed worries about their ability to navigate congested routes safely.

Challenges with Traffic Management in Nearby Areas

The changes to the Ghatkopar bridge occur amidst wider concerns regarding traffic flow in proximity to the Barapullah Phase III flyover in Delhi. This newly inaugurated 3.5-kilometre, three-lane elevated corridor connects Mayur Vihar Phase I with Sarai Kale Khan and was opened to the public on September 30. At Sarai Kale Khan, it meets the existing Barapullah corridor, contributing to a larger signal-free route towards South Delhi and AIIMS.

Soon after its opening, however, the flyover faced significant congestion near Sundial Park, where traffic from multiple directions converges, straining the road’s limited capacity. The traffic police in Delhi reported that the existing three-lane Phase III flyover merges with additional lanes from various directions, complicating traffic flow due to the narrowing of the road to two lanes at the junction.

A recent drone survey carried out by the traffic police highlighted the extent of the traffic problem, noting that the sharp alignment of the merger area further obstructs the flow of vehicles. As a result, the police have requested design modifications to enhance traffic movement and mitigate congestion at this busy junction.

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