Mumbai: MMRDA has taken the decision to concretize the Western Express Highway, the busiest highway passing through the western suburbs of Mumbai. Due to heavy traffic jam, a large number of potholes occur on Western Express Highway during monsoon.
It has been told that the main main road of 25.3 km from Mahim Junction to Dahisar Checknaka will be concreted. There are 12 flyovers, 13 pedestrian underpasses, 9 vehicular underpasses and 13 pedestrian bridges on this highway. About 4.39 lakh vehicles pass through this highway every day.
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Near MMRDA since 2018
PWD transferred a part of Western Express to MMRDA in 2018. In 2019, the entire route was transferred to MMRDA. Since then, MMRDA is spending Rs 30-40 crore every year on its repairs. Potholes and traffic jams are the biggest problem of Western Express due to heavy traffic. Mahim to Dahisar main road section was made of concrete instead of asphalt. Recently, in the recent meeting of the Authority with the Urban Development Minister, a proposal was brought and administrative approval was given for the concretization project. Its estimated cost will be Rs 837 crore.
Highway will last till 2050
Its new design has been prepared keeping in mind that the road remains safe till 2050. The 25.3 kilometer distance will be concreted in five packages. A distance of 10.08 km from Mahim to Shankarwadi Junction will cost Rs 217 crore, while a 5 km road from Shankarwadi Junction to Dindoshi Junction will cost Rs 192 crore. Similarly, Rs 211 crore will be spent for 5 km Dindoshi Junction to Bhor Junction and Rs 214 crore will be spent for 5.25 km stretch between Bhor Junction to Dahisar Cheknaka. An official said that once the budget is cleared by the government, a project management consultant will be appointed before the tender process.