The newly inaugurated Mrinaltai Gore flyover in Mumbai is under fire as its excessively smooth road surface causes motorists, especially bikers, to skid, raising serious safety concerns.
- The 'super smooth' mastic surface of the Mrinaltai Gore flyover is causing frequent vehicle skidding.
- Project costs escalated by 45%, rising from ₹170.82 crore to ₹247.97 crore.
- The 750-metre structure took nearly eight years to complete, plagued by delays and quality issues.
The recently opened arm of the Mrinaltai Gore flyover has come under intense scrutiny just two months after its inauguration. While intended to ease traffic, the bridge has instead become a hazard due to its 'extremely smooth' surface, leading to numerous accidents involving two-wheelers.
Residents have flagged that the road mastic—the binding material used for the surface—is far too slick. Dhaval Shah, co-founder of the Lokhandwala Oshiwara Citizen’s Association (LOCA), highlighted that the danger is most acute on the downward slopes. "Every time it rains, the roads become further slippery. This patch has now become a magnet for accidents," Shah stated.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows a disturbing pattern of 'cost overruns vs. quality deficits' in Mumbai's infrastructure. When a project exceeds its budget by nearly 45% and takes eight years to finish, the expectation is a world-class asset. Instead, the delivery of a surface that fails basic friction tests suggests a systemic failure in quality control and contractor accountability.
To mitigate the risk, Karan Jotwani, also a co-founder of LOCA, has urged the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to deploy rough tar on the top layer to increase grip. Despite these urgent pleas and mounting evidence, the BMC has denied allegations of shoddy workmanship.
"The friction coefficient of a road surface is a non-negotiable safety parameter; any deviation, especially on slopes, transforms a highway into a hazard."
The flyover, which links Ram Mandir and Goregaon, was meant to bypass the congested SV Road and Link Road. However, its history is marred by controversy. In June, videos surfaced showing a melting road surface and instances where the pavement caved in under the weight of a motorcycle stand, triggering widespread public outrage.
The situation has not escaped the irony of social media. Netizens have mocked the BMC, with one user on X claiming the flyover features 'revolutionary smooth ride technology' that improves mileage, but is simply 'too advanced' for current bikers who keep falling off.
| Metric | Original Estimate | Actual/Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| Project Cost | ₹170.82 Crore | ₹247.97 Crore |
| Timeline | Planned Duration | ~8 Years |
| Surface Quality | Standard Friction | Excessively Smooth/Slippery |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which areas does the Mrinaltai Gore flyover connect?
A: It provides a direct link between Ram Mandir and Goregaon, allowing motorists to avoid SV Road and Link Road.
Q2: What solution has been proposed to stop the skidding?
A: Local citizen associations have requested the BMC to apply a layer of rough tar to the surface to increase traction and safety.
