Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Jan 27: A newly built flyover in the Mira–Bhayander region has sparked widespread discussion and criticism on social media after users flagged what appeared to be a sudden reduction from four lanes to two. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), however, has rejected claims of a design flaw, stating that the layout is intentional and aligned with long-term infrastructure planning.
The controversy erupted after a post by the Gems of Mira Bhayander account on X (formerly Twitter) went viral. The post questioned whether the double-decker flyover—constructed as part of the Metro Line 9 project—might worsen traffic congestion instead of easing it, due to what was described as an abrupt lane narrowing. The claim quickly fueled a broader debate on road design, planning approvals, and urban infrastructure in the rapidly expanding suburban corridor.
Responding to the criticism, MMRDA issued a clarification explaining that the lane transition is a deliberate engineering decision based on existing right-of-way constraints and future expansion plans. According to the authority, the flyover has currently been built with two lanes leading towards Bhayander East, while space has been reserved for an additional two lanes towards Bhayander West, to be constructed later as part of an extension over the Western Railway line.
Officials said that because the Bhayander East arm appears first along the alignment, the present four-lane section transitions into two lanes. The remaining outer lanes will be added in a subsequent phase when the western extension is taken up.
Up to Golden Nest Circle—a key traffic junction where five major arterial roads meet—a 2+2 lane flyover integrated with the Metro corridor has been provided. Slip roads on both sides have also been incorporated to help disperse traffic more efficiently. Beyond this junction, towards Bhayander East, the road width reduces in line with the Development Plan, making it necessary to design a 1+1 lane flyover along the median, complete with dedicated entry and exit ramps for smooth movement towards Railway Phatak Road.
MMRDA further said the structure includes provisions for future widening, subject to approvals and coordination with the Mira-Bhayander Municipal Corporation. The authority maintained that the flyover has been designed to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion, and will be equipped with safety measures such as signage, rumble strips and crash barriers. Inputs from the traffic police are also being incorporated before the flyover is opened to the public.
Despite the explanation, scepticism continues online. One user, Dakshay Desai, posted, “This flyover will be shut immediately after inauguration if opened. As this will be an accidental zone. They will have to make a lot of changes. This is the worst design — who approved it?” Another user, ekbote-R, drew parallels with earlier projects, writing, “Vikhroli east–west bridge had three lanes, Lower Parel bridge without footpath. Now this. I have actually started doubting these engineers’ degrees.”
The debate highlights growing public scrutiny of urban infrastructure projects in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, particularly as traffic volumes and development pressures continue to rise.