‘Uneven patches making Western Express Highway accident-prone’

Tar patches seen on the WEH, at Andheri West, on November 27. Pics/Anurag Ahire

Even as the authorities repaired the flyovers on the Western Express Highway between Dahisar and Bandra, riders complained that their fix - tar patches - are rather dangerous for them, as they are uneven.

Speaking to mid-day, Amey Sawant, a commuter, said, "It is good to see that the condition of the Western Express Highway (WEH) has improved after the monsoon, but the patch work done on certain flyovers is worrying. The tar patches are not level with the rest of the road, increasing the chance of accidents. While riding on the flyover from Aarey Milk Colony to Santacruz, I noticed rectangular patches on the south and north-bound roads. Bikes can slip on these patches, endangering riders' lives."

Patches on the Santacruz flyover on November 27

Now, riders as well as motorists want the entire flyover repaired to make it even. "The road repair work on flyovers or on highways should be done in such a manner that the entire stretch is at one level, as this would prevent bikes from skidding," said Prabhu Swami, a biker. Motorists have demanded that the WEH undergo a makeover, and the MMRDA has a plan for the same.

Besides, crash barriers at some places are also missing, and some bus shelters are in a bad condition. The WEH is an arterial road that connects Dahisar in the western suburbs to Bandra, and is used by people coming towards Bandra and south Mumbai from Mira Road, Thane Ghodbunder Road, Ahmedabad, etc.