BMC Extends Vidyavihar Over-Bridge Completion Deadline to March 2026

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has extended the deadline for completing the Vidyavihar Railway Over-Bridge (ROB) project by 15 months. The new target date is March 2026. This is due to over 80 structures and 180 trees that are blocking the second phase of the project. 

The project was initiated in 2016 and was originally scheduled to be completed by December 2024. Earlier this year, the BMC completed the first phase of the project by launching two open-web girders across the railway tracks. It was the longest girder ever installed over railway tracks in India, measuring 99.34 meters in length.

Following this, the BMC began work on the second phase. This involved constructing approach roads on both the eastern and western sides of the ROB. However, during this phase, approximately 87 structures were found to be located along the proposed alignment of these roads. On the western side, 27 structures were identified. This included some shops along the railway segment. On the eastern side, 60 structures were found to be in the way. This included residential, religious, and commercial buildings, as well as a civic lavatory block.

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In addition to the structures, the BMC also identified 180 trees that would need to be relocated or removed to make way for the construction. The civic authorities have informed the tree authority about this. They are awaiting their assessment to see how many trees will be cut down and how many will be replanted. In the meantime, the local ward has begun modifying bids and has already demolished some of the buildings. As per reports, officials have requested ward authorities remove the obstructing buildings within the next two months.

The same contractor who completed the first phase has been awarded the contract for the second phase, which is expected to cost INR 69.50 crore. After the monsoon, the BMC has plans to accelerate work on the approach roads starting in October. Once completed, the Vidyavihar ROB will help ease traffic congestion between the eastern suburbs of Ghatkopar and Vidyavihar. It will also provide direct access to Ramkrishna Chemburkar Marg and Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg (LBS).