Mumbai’s J J Flyover to Get Green Median in 2 Months, Faces Opposition

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is working on a beautification project for the J J Flyover, also known as the Qutb-e-Konkan Makhdoom Ali Mahimi Flyover. The project is expected to be completed in two months. 

Instead of ordinary bushes, BMC is planting trees on the flyover’s median. These trees will act as noise barriers. The project began at the end of last year. A civic official stated that the median was created when the flyover was built.

Civic Chief Bhushan Gagrani visited the site on Thursday, February 13, and directed that the entire 2.1 km long road divider under the flyover be beautified with a concept-based design, planted with trees that help reduce noise pollution, and adorned with attractive landscaping. He also ordered the installation of sturdy, uniformly designed protective railings to prevent misuse of the dividers and avoid damage or vandalism. 

🔹बी विभागातील कुतुब - ए - कोंकण मकदूम अली माहिमी उड्डाणपूल (जे. जे. उड्डाणपूल) खालील रस्‍ता दुभाजक सुशोभीकरण कामकाजाची महानगरपालिका आयुक्‍त तथा प्रशासक श्री. भूषण गगराणी यांनी आज पाहणी केली.

🔹सुमारे २.१ किलोमीटर लांबीच्‍या रस्‍ता दुभाजकाचे संकल्‍पनेनुसार सुशोभीकरण करावे, ध्… pic.twitter.com/TfUUm9V3Kg

— माझी Mumbai, आपली BMC (@mybmc) February 13, 2025

Apart from the green median, the plan includes converting three old BEST double-decker buses into public spaces. These buses will serve as art galleries, cafeterias, and libraries. They will be placed under the flyover to provide amenities for Mumbai residents.

However, in a major roadblock, Pradnya Jedge, deputy commissioner of police (traffic) told FPJ that the traffic department has not given its NOC for the project.

On the other hand, activists have opposed the project. They have filed a public interest litigation (PIL) in the Bombay High Court (HC). They claim that the beautification is unlawful and BMC is using road space by widening the median.

As per a report by Mid-Day, a civic official defended the project. He said that the beautification is only being done on an existing median. He also assured that security measures are in place and no one can sleep there. The court hearing is expected soon.