PWD begins unclogging drains along highways in Mumbai

The pre-monsoon desilting work on the Western and Eastern Express Highways is expected to be completed by the end of May

To ensure that motorists on the Western Express Highway (WEH) and Eastern Express Highway (EEH) don’t face inconvenience due to waterlogging during the monsoon season, the PWD has begun desilting drains. The work began last Saturday and is expected to be complete by the third week of May.

Silt removed from a drain near Santacruz. PWD will clean the small drains as well as the cross drains along the highway

Speaking to mid-day, PWD’s executive engineer, B B Lohar, who is in charge of maintaining the WEH stretch between Bandra and Dahisar said, “We have observed in the past that waterlogging takes place at many places on the WEH. One reason for the problem is that the cross drains along the highway are not clean. We will ensure that all drains are cleaned by the end of May.”

Cross drains are present on both ends of flyovers, where water tends to accumulate because of the incline. During the monsoon season, places like Goregaon, Kandivli, Andheri and Vile Parle on the arterial WEH end up see water stagnating due to clogged drains.

The PWD, which was handed over maintenance of the western and eastern express highways in 2009, will not only clean the small drains, but also unclog cross drains that were constructed when the highway was widened.

Work has also started on the EEH. PWD’s executive engineer, Ramesh Agawane said, “The department is spending around Rs 60 lakh for the pre-monsoon desilting of drains on the EEH.” Along with the clean-up programme, the PWD has also conducted repairs on the highways, including resurfacing and reinstalling road dividers and signage.

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