Introduction
In Mumbai city there is a urgent need to cater for the traffic specially quick entry and exit from the city. The industrialisation and growth of traffic has resulted into congestion which has raised the pollution at various traffic junctions. HCREL was given the task of improving the current traffic conditions by the Maharashtra Government. HCREL has aimed to alleviate the traffic congestion in the city of Bombay or Mumbai by constructing 50 flyovers. The attempt is to maintain a highway character of the important roads in the city and also to reduce congestion at key junctions.
Approach
In Mumbai city there is a Flyovers are located on major traffic corridors, namely:-
- Sion – Panvel Expressway
- Western Express Highway
- Eastern Express Highway
- Major roads in Mumbai city
The flyovers are planned with a corridor development approach. This fast corridor will make it possible to move from Thane, Vashi or Borivali and reach South Mumbai faster.
Technology
Latest technology used for the construction will make the quality of construction of high standard and also minimize the time factor for the completion. The tender condition for incentive for earlier completion and penalty for delayed construction are helpful in maintaining strict time schedule
Estimated Cost
The total cost of project is Rs. 1500 crores which will be financed from resources mobilised through bonds, loans from MMRDA, financial assistance from PWD, MCGM and TMC. By adopting advanced technology, modern machinery and simplified tender procedure, saving is resulted in project cost. Till today 37 flyovers are completed and 2 flyovers works are in progress. Travel time on three highways in Mumbai is reduced by 20 to 25 minutes. To recover the cost of the project, Government of Maharashtra has authorized HCREL to levy a toll on major roads at five locations in Mumbai. Toll collection work is started in January 2000 after overcoming initial hurdles. HCREL is getting a revenue of Rs. 70 crores per annum by way of toll in Mumbai. Government of Maharashtra has levied a cess on petrol & diesel in Mumbai region to recover the cost of flyovers. Expected income of Rs. 50 crores per annum will be transferred to HCREL. Toll rates are revised from 1.10.2002. Revised income by way of increased toll rates is Rs. 85 crore for first year
Subways
Government of Maharashtra has entrusted work of construction of 5 subways to HCREL. These subways have been constructed as part of flyover program. The work includes Subways at :-
- Chembur on Eastern Express Highway
- Kurla on Eastern Express Highway
- Rajaram Nagar on Western Express Highway
- Agripada on Western Eastern Highway
- Mankhurd on Sion Panvel Road
All the above said have been completed and opened to pedestrians. The subways are constructed by box pushing technology and completed within the period of 10 to 12 months.