21 February,2011 06:25 AM IST | | Ranjeet Jadhav
MSRDC is digging up road underneath Malad Junction flyover to reduce its level after realising that the new Rs 25-cr bridge is too low for buses to pass under
LACK of planning and coordination between agencies responsible for the city's infrastructural development has ensured that more pain is in store for motorists on the Western Express Highway.
While the flyover has offered relief to commuters travelling north-south, it has become a problem for buses heading to Malad station
Having realised that the height of the newly-opened Malad Junction flyover is too less for BEST buses and heavy vehicles to go through, the MSRDC is digging up the road underneath to reduce its level.
The 450-metre long flyover was constructed by the MMRDA at a cost of Rs 25 crore and was fully thrown open to traffic in September.
The opening of the flyover has offered some relief to motorists travelling north-south but has proved to be a bane for buses and other heavy vehicles heading to Malad station and Dindoshi.
Due to the flyover's height, they are forced to take an alternative route via the highway, which is much more time consuming.
Tushar Mane (35), a resident of Gokul Dham in Malad (East), said, "Earlier, buses coming from the eastern end of Malad station took a right turn from where the flyover is today and made their way to Gokuldham or Dindoshi via the highway.
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But, they are being forced to take a longer route now, causing inconvenience to commuters. This just goes to show how serious the MMRDA actually is about making Mumbai better."
The Other Side
MMRDA Spokesperson Dilip Kawatkar said, "We have already handed over the flyover to the Public Works Department (PWD). We cannot comment on it." MSRDC Chief Engineer Subhash Nage said, "As buses and trucks are not able to pass under the flyover, we have decided to dig the road." PWD officials could not be reached for comment.
