After a logjam for over a decade, the stage is finally set for the construction of the controversial Peddar Road flyover and the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has plans to float bids for the project in the coming months.
“We do have plans to call for tenders for the 4.2 km-long Peddar Road flyover project before the monsoon Assembly session commences in the state,” confirmed Bipin Shrimali, managing director and vice-chairman of MSRDC.
The state monsoon Assembly session is scheduled in June, therefore, one can expect this issue to once again be raised by the residents to stall the project.
“The estimated cost of the flyover is around `300 crore. Once the tender is awarded, the monsoon months will go in preparing designs and other paper work. It is only after the monsoon that construction activity on the Peddar Road will commence. It should take around 18-24 months for the flyover to be ready,” added Mr Shrimali. Three years ago the cost of the same project was `200 crore.
As per MSRDC’s plan, the flyover will begin at Haji Ali Junction, pass from Peddar Road flyover clearing the Kemps Corner junction and then take a right turn towards Babulnath Temple, finally coming out at Girgaum Chowpatty. The viaduct will terminate outside Wilson College.
It is likely that the design of this flyover will be similar to that of J. J. flyover. Furthermore, the decision to go ahead with the construction is after modifications were made to the designs at the Chowpatty end. The original plan had two piers on Girgaum Chowpatty, which will now come on the road, thus, necessitating a sharper turn. However, due to this change, environmental clearance under CRZ-I will not be needed.
Reacting on the issue, Sudhir Badami, a transport expert and resident of Babulnath said, “In urban areas the vehicles should go at an acceptable low speed so that there is a priority given to the pedestrian and non-motorised transport. At Peddar Road where the number of people being carried by vehicle other than public transport does not exceed by 3,000 person per hour, the need of the day is to have mobility of the masses and BRTS should be introduced in the entire city, which comes at a very low cost.”
According to him, by deciding to go ahead with the flyover, the government is trying to exercise or show its might over the rationale of the introduction of BRTS.