Fact-Check: Does Mira Bhayandar Flyover 'Suddenly Narrow' To Two Lanes? MMRDA Responds

[Spartan]

Does the newly-constructed Mira Bhayandar flyover “suddenly narrow" from four to two lanes? The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has issued a detailed fact-check after a viral video on social media questioned the design of the flyover, alleging that it “suddenly narrows" from four lanes to two. The video, posted by an X page called Gems of Mira Bhayandar, triggered sharp criticism of MMRDA’s infrastructure planning ahead of the flyover’s scheduled inauguration in February.

Responding to the claims, MMRDA said the assertion of a sudden narrowing was “misleading" and did not reflect the actual design intent of the structure. The authority also mention current constraints for a 4-lane construction. “The transition from 4 lanes to 2 lanes is not a design flaw, but is based on available road width constraints, and future network planning," the authority said in an official post.

The flyover in question is a double-decker structure being built as part of Metro Line 9, which will connect Andheri West to Mira Bhayandar. Executed by J Kumar Infraprojects, the project integrates road traffic with the elevated metro corridor to ease congestion at one of the busiest junctions in the region.

MMRDA explained that the flyover has been planned in phases. According to the authority, two lanes are meant for traffic towards Bhayandar East, while “future connecting two lanes for Bhayandar West" will be added later. Since the Bhayandar East arm appears first along the alignment, the existing four-lane stretch currently transitions into two lanes, with the remaining outer lanes reserved for a future extension across the Western Railway line.

The authority further clarified that up to Golden Nest Circle — a junction where five major roads converge — a 2+2 lane flyover integrated with the Metro, along with slip roads, has been provided to manage heavy traffic volumes. Beyond this junction, however, the available right of way reduces. “Accordingly, a 1+1 lane flyover with dedicated up and down ramps has been constructed along the median," MMRDA said, adding that this ensures uninterrupted movement towards Railway Phatak Road.

Addressing safety concerns, MMRDA said several measures have been incorporated, including “rumble strips, delineators, adequate signage, retro-reflective tags, directional boards, and anti-crash barriers". It added that traffic police inputs are being actively sought before the flyover is opened to the public.

MMRDA also stressed that provisions for future widening have already been kept in the design. “The proposal is currently at the planning stage and will be taken up in coordination with MBMC, after obtaining approvals from the competent authorities," it said.

The flyover is expected to play a key role in traffic dispersal and congestion reduction in the Mira–Bhayandar region once inaugurated, even as debates over urban infrastructure design continue to unfold online.