Mumbai News: Parel TT Flyover Repairs To Begin In October; BMC To Strengthen Structure In Phases To Ease Traffic Disruption

Mumbai: The BMC is set to begin structural strengthening work on the Parel TT flyover in October this year. To minimise traffic inconvenience, the repairs will be carried out in phases by closing one lane at a time.

The repair work was originally planned two years ago but was deferred as the Delisle Road Bridge in Lower Parel was still under reconstruction at the time. Undertaking both projects simultaneously would have worsened traffic congestion in central Mumbai.

Constructed in 1980, the Parel TT flyover plays a vital role in easing traffic congestion on Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Road at a key junction. The flyover regularly witnesses heavy traffic snarls during peak hours, with commuters often taking over 10 minutes to traverse a mere 100-metre stretch.

Any disruption at Parel causes a ripple effect, affecting areas like Bhoiwada and Lalbaug. However, over the years, the deterioration of expansion joints has led to an uneven riding surface.

The large number of joints not only causes a bumpy ride for motorists but also increases the risk of potholes, especially during the monsoon season. In 2023, the BMC carried out temporary repairs and installed a height barrier above the flyover to restrict the entry of heavy vehicles and reduce further structural strain.

Following the reopening of the Delisle Road bridge to traffic in November 2023, the BMC initiated the tender process for the repair and strengthening of the Parel TT flyover in 2024. The estimated cost of the project is approximately Rs. 17 crore.

As part of the planned work, the BMC will undertake structural repairs and replacement of bearings. A major component of the project involves reducing the number of expansion joints from 22 to 10 by introducing deck continuity, which is expected to significantly improve the riding quality for commuters.

To achieve this deck continuity, the existing asphalt surface will be replaced with concrete, offering a more stable driving surface, especially during the monsoon season.

A senior official from the BMC’s Bridge Department said, “If the flyover is completely closed for repairs, the surrounding roads and alternate routes such as the Tilak Bridge in Dadar will become severely congested, especially since the Sion rail overbridge (RoB) is already shut. With no major alternate routes available to absorb the traffic load, it was decided to restrict the entry of heavy vehicles on the Parel flyover instead. To minimise disruption, the strengthening work will be carried out by closing one lane at a time, with traffic police permission being sought accordingly. The entire concreting work is expected to be completed within three months, followed by 14 days of curing. Each lane will be reopened sequentially after concreting is completed, ensuring that at least part of the flyover remains operational throughout the repair process."

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“Monsoons have severely damaged the roads, especially at the Parel flyover, with large potholes and an uneven surface. It not only affects traffic but also takes a toll on our physical health." said Om Sawant, a daily commuter. The flyover measures 365 metres in length and 15 metres in width.