Thane: Major Flyovers on Ghodbunder Road Facing Closure for Repairs, Commuters Brace for Impact

Thane, 13th June 2024: In news that could impact a significant number of commuters, officials cited in a Times of India report indicated that three major flyovers on Ghodbunder Road at Patlipada, Manpada, and Majiwada junctions may soon undergo temporary closures for repair work.

The potential closure is expected to cause inconvenience for commuters travelling between western Mumbai suburbs, Gujarat, Navi Mumbai, Nashik, Pune, and Thane. The redirection of outbound traffic, including heavy freight vehicles, onto city-bound lanes is anticipated to worsen congestion.

The Public Works Department (PWD) has outlined plans to repair specific sections of the flyovers. These include 484 meters of the Patlipada flyover, 380 meters of the Manpada flyover, and 250 meters of the Kapurbawdi flyover. The primary objective is to apply a new mastic layer to enhance road smoothness, especially crucial ahead of the monsoon season. A tender worth Rs 5.91 crore has reportedly been approved for these repairs, following the completion of repair work on the Waghbil flyover.

Ghodbunder Road serves as a vital alternate route linking the eastern and western express highways beyond Thane. It sees heavy traffic from motorists, buses, and freight vehicles travelling to and from Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT). Concerns have been raised by regular commuters, exacerbated by ongoing metro construction that has already restricted lanes on the Borivali-bound side.

Acknowledging the necessity of these repairs to prevent further deterioration during the monsoon, the PWD has highlighted the delayed repair schedule due to recent elections and ongoing works at Gaimukh Ghat. The department estimates an eight-day closure period for the repairs, likely scheduled during nighttime to minimize disruption. Priority might be given to the Patlipada flyover, with final scheduling decisions to be made in coordination with Thane traffic police.

Thane traffic police officials confirmed that they have not yet received a formal request for traffic blocks but assured that any approved closures would be managed to cause minimal inconvenience to motorists.