MUMBAI: Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday inaugurated the newly constructed Tardeo–Nagpada–Mumbai Central flyover through video conferencing, marking the reopening of a crucial east-west corridor in south Mumbai.The flyover replaces a 130-year-old British-era bridge near Mumbai Central that had been declared unsafe and later demolished. With the new structure now operational, authorities expect smoother traffic flow and relief from congestion that had affected commuters for nearly two years.Officials said the flyover will significantly reduce pressure on key roads including Jehangir Boman Behram Road (formerly Bellasis Road), Dr Dadasaheb Bhadkamkar Marg at Grant Road, Pathe Bapurao Marg and the Mahalaxmi station bridge.Deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde was present alongside Fadnavis during the virtual inauguration.The 333-metre-long flyover includes 138.39 metres on the eastern side, 157.39 metres on the western side and 36.90 metres within railway limits. It has a 7-metre-wide carriageway along with wide footpaths on both sides to ensure pedestrian safety.The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) completed the project in 15 months and six days —four months ahead of the scheduled deadline. According to civic officials, the deadline set in the tender still had four months remaining.While railway authorities carried out work over the tracks, the BMC handled major construction activities such as girder bracing, deck sheet installation, slab casting and the building of approach roads.Civic officials said close coordination between the BMC’s bridges department, railway authorities, the local ward office and traffic police helped fast-track the project.The construction process involved several hurdles, including relocation of BEST utility lines, demolition of obstructing structures with alternate arrangements for occupants, removal of a housing society boundary wall and resolving a case in the high court.Authorities confirmed that load testing, structural stability checks, safety certification and a no-objection certificate from railway authorities have been completed. The flyover is now open for public use.
