Mira-Bhayander Flyover Set for Phased Opening Post Safety Audit
The Mira-Bhayander flyover, a crucial segment of the Dahisar East-Mira Bhayander Metro Line 9 double-decker corridor, will undergo a mandatory third-party road safety audit before it is opened to traffic. Following this assessment, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) plans to operationalise the structure in phases, with only one lane in each direction beyond the Golden Nest Circle, as confirmed by officials.
Interim Traffic Arrangement Due to Land Constraints
This temporary lane configuration will remain in effect until the required Development Plan (DP) land is handed over by the Mira-Bhayander Municipal Corporation (MBMC) for widening the ramp section. The flyover, designed to carry both metro and road traffic, has been constructed in accordance with Indian Road Congress (IRC) standards and approvals granted during 2020-21. Officials emphasized that the lane arrangement was part of the original sanctioned design, addressing site-specific constraints.
Lane Configuration and Congestion Relief
Up to the Golden Nest Circle, one of the busiest junctions in the Mira-Bhayander area, the flyover will function with a full 2+2 lane configuration to alleviate congestion. However, beyond this point, factors such as limited right-of-way, proximity to railways, and pending DP land acquisition restrict the ramp width, leading to an approved 1+1 lane arrangement in that stretch. The phased opening is an interim measure aligned with these constraints until additional land is acquired.
Addressing Public Concerns and Safety Measures
The project had previously sparked controversy after motorists observed that the double-decker flyover appeared to narrow abruptly into two lanes, raising concerns about potential bottlenecks. Authorities have clarified that this narrowing is temporary and consistent with the sanctioned design. To ensure safety, MMRDA has mandated a third-party road safety assessment for its road projects, exceeding IRC compliance norms. The flyover will only open after implementing recommendations from this audit.
Traffic Engineering and Future Plans
Key traffic engineering provisions include:
- Merging transition zones
- Lane delineators
- Crash barriers
- Height restrictions for heavy vehicles
- Reflective signage
- Rumble strips
All these measures will be executed at the contractor's cost. Additionally, the design incorporates a proposed 970-metre elevated arm crossing the Western Railway line towards Bhayander West, which will be developed once land becomes available. Once fully completed, the flyover is expected to significantly ease congestion along Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Road and enhance connectivity between Mira Road and Bhayander, according to officials.
