The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is gearing up to initiate structural repairs on flyovers along the Eastern Express Highway (EEH) and the Western Express Highway (WEH), following critical audits by IIT and VJTI, according to Indian Express.
The BMC plans to invest Rs. 26.43 crore in the structural repair of six bridges in the eastern suburbs. Additionally, tenders have been floated for repairing six flyovers along the WEH. This move comes after the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) transferred control of these major roads to the BMC in 2022.
Previous Maintenance Contract and Current Focus
Earlier this year, the BMC had awarded a Rs. 146 crore contract for maintenance and pothole repairs on both expressways. The latest audits have prompted the BMC to prioritize structural repairs on the flyovers of both expressways and other bridges in the eastern suburbs.
The IIT audit specifically recommended strengthening works for Chembur’s Annabhau Sathe flyover and Mulund’s Navghar flyover on the EEH. In response, the BMC has surveyed additional bridges and subways in the eastern suburbs, finalizing repairs for several key structures, including the Annabhau Sathe flyover, Navghar flyover, Amar Mahal flyover, and others.
The BMC will also upgrade subways at the Sion-Panvel highway and Maharashtra Nagar and install crash barriers at various Rail Over Bridges (ROBs).
Regarding the WEH, a VJTI audit identified the need for repairs on six bridges. The BMC has now floated tenders for these minor repairs, with an estimated cost of Rs. 12-13 crore. While the tender for EEH repairs is already awarded, the WEH repairs are set to begin soon after the work orders are issued.