The BMC is set to build a ₹525 crore flyover on Juhu-Versova Link Road, starting at HDFC Bank and ending at Barfiwalla junction. It passes through Juhu Circle, going below the upcoming Metro 2B as an integrated structure. The flyover is roughly 1.5km long.

Currently Juhu-Versova Link Road is the LAST main road left in Andheri West without a megastructure on it. Three freely available lanes per side, beautiful tree cover, and a view of the sky – things that are now a rarity in this messy suburb.

Andheri West has been subjected to many megastructures on its narrow roads, over the past decade. The metros and haphazard pillars on all the main roads of this suburb - New Link Road, JP Road, P Tandon Marg etc, have led to a loss of broad main roads with traffic-free options for travel within this region. We strongly believe that this flyover will add to traffic woes here, as opposed to relieving them. Andheri West’s roads are undrivable and we simply cannot afford another ill-planned megastructure.

As architects and urban planners, we believe there are several critical issues with this project. The flyover is going to take 2 out of the 3 consistently available lanes per side on Juhu-Versova Link Road. If residents want to go towards Juhu/Bandra, Gulmohar Road or anywhere except Barfiwalla junction, they will have just ONE SERVICE LANE LEFT. Likewise, when coming back via Juhu Circle, motorists will have just one tiny service lane to squeeze into.

We also note that there are alternative solutions already available in the Development Plan (2034) which address the problems, which are less obstructive – and cheaper – that the BMC and MMRDA have gone out of their way to avoid, just to build this flyover. Traffic at this junction is also exacerbated by simple issues like illogical signal timing and no traffic rules being enforced. These are simple issues to fix.

We urge the BMC to reconsider their plans and implement better solutions such as opening up the DP Roads, improving signal timings, enforcing traffic discipline etc - and thereby prioritize the environment and quality of life for the residents over this short-sighted solution.

Please SIGN THIS PETITION if you stand with us in opposing the unplanned development that is ruining Mumbai.

Thanks