MMRDA for tunnel from BKC to Kherwadi junction

In a bid to improve the traffic situation, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is planning a tunnel from the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) till the Kherwadi Junction on the Western Express Highway (WEH). HT reports.

In a bid to improve the traffic situation, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is planning a tunnel from the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) till the Kherwadi Junction on the Western Express Highway (WEH).

HT Image

The stretch from Kala Nagar Junction till Kherwadi is one of the most congested roads in the city as traffic from four major roads — BKC, the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Mahim Causeway and Dr Ambedkar Road — converges on this stretch.

“The underpass will start at BKC and will end near the Kherwadi Junction signal on the WEH,” metropolitan commissioner Rahul Asthana said.

The MMRDA is holding talks with consultants to finalise the design of the underpass, which, if constructed, will be the city’s first such structure. “A final decision on the project will be taken only after a formal proposal is approved by the authority,” Asthana said.

The underpass will take vehicles from the highway directly to the BKC, avoiding traffic signals at Kherwadi and Kala Nagar Junction. This will free up space for commuters that use the stretch to access the Mahim Causeway, Dr Ambedkar Road or the sea link.

As per preliminary estimates, the stretch is likely to be a kilometre long.

The MMRDA had planned a flyover, but dropped the idea after finding out that a skywalk was constructed on the stretch.