Mumbai Traffic: Relief for Commuters Soon? BMC Eyes Elevated Road Above Andheri Subway

Every monsoon, commuters in Mumbai’s western suburbs brace for severe traffic disruptions as the Andheri subway gets submerged after heavy rainfall. The recurring inundation frequently forces authorities to halt vehicular movement, leading to long queues and chaos during peak hours. To tackle this long-standing civic concern, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has initiated plans to explore the construction of a flyover above the existing underpass. Officials believe that an elevated road could provide uninterrupted connectivity even during intense showers. A consultant has been assigned to examine the practicality of the proposal, and a detailed feasibility report is expected to be submitted within three months.

The subway, situated close to Andheri railway station and serving as a crucial east-west connector, experiences frequent waterlogging primarily due to the nearby Mogra Nallah. This drainage channel begins roughly 2.5 kilometres away and slopes nearly 13 metres downward toward the subway, causing rainwater to gush toward the low-lying stretch during downpours. Conditions deteriorate further during high tide, when rising water levels trigger backflow into the drain, aggravating flooding in nearby localities such as Dawood Bagh and Azad Nagar. As water accumulates rapidly, civic officials are compelled to shut the underpass temporarily and reroute traffic to prevent accidents and ensure commuter safety.

Also Read: ‘He goes too deep in the crease’: Gavaskar flags Samson’s flaw ahead of India-Pakistan clash

In search of a permanent remedy, the civic body’s bridges department has proposed building an elevated roadway above the vulnerable subway section. Although the idea is presently under consideration at the ward planning stage, authorities have prioritised conducting a comprehensive technical assessment before moving forward. As reported by Maharashtra Times, the appointed consultant will evaluate construction feasibility, estimated project length, engineering hurdles, financial requirements, and anticipated advantages. The study will also examine regulatory clearances, particularly from railway authorities, since the route runs beneath a railway bridge near Gokhale Bridge. The final report is expected within three months.