MUMBAI: The controversial Mira–Bhayander flyover, which had earlier sparked a social media debate over its apparent reduction from four lanes to two, was opened to vehicular traffic on Sunday after local BJP leaders formally inaugurated the structure, even as the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) was not part of the event.The flyover, developed by MMRDA as part of the Metro Line 9 double-decker corridor, was inaugurated by former BJP MLA Narendra Mehta and Mira Bhayander mayor Dimple Mehta in the presence of party functionaries and local residents. The structure had come under scrutiny earlier this year after images and videos of the narrowing carriageway went viral online, prompting concerns about a potential traffic bottleneck. MMRDA had, however, denied any design flaw and maintained that the lane transition was a planned engineering feature.In a statement issued after the inauguration, Narendra Mehta said the elevated flyover connecting Golden Nest and Deepak Hospital Road would significantly ease traffic congestion in the area and make commuting faster, safer and more convenient for citizens. He thanked Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for supporting infrastructure development in the region and said the project reflected the government’s commitment to creating modern and efficient civic infrastructure for the rapidly growing city.“The flyover will go a long way in reducing congestion on this busy stretch. Keeping in mind the growing needs of Mira-Bhayander, developing modern and robust infrastructure has always been our priority and will continue to remain so,” Mehta said.The inauguration ceremony was attended by deputy mayor Dhruvkishor Patil, standing committee chairman Hasmukh Gehlot, BJP district president Dilip Jain, party office-bearers and local residents.The flyover forms a key component of the Metro Line 9 project and is expected to improve traffic flow along one of the most congested corridors in Mira Road. MMRDA officials had earlier clarified that the controversial four-lane-to-two-lane transition was based on detailed traffic studies and engineering assessments necessitated by site constraints and integration with the existing road network.The opening comes months after the structure became the subject of public debate, with critics questioning its design. Authorities, however, maintain that the flyover has been constructed as per approved plans and is expected to provide substantial relief to motorists travelling through the Mira–Bhayander region.
