BMC clears 180 structures in Khindipada-Sonapur, opening way for Goregaon-Mulund Link Road

A major hurdle to the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR) project, which connects Mumbai's eastern and western suburbs, has been removed. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has cleared 180 unauthorised structures standing in the way in the Khindipada-Sonapur area under S ward. With this action, the project's path in the area is fully open, and further work, including road widening, will now gather pace.

The link road from Goregaon to Mulund is 12.20 km long in all. It is expected to save Mumbai commuters considerable travel time, and is considered extremely important for easing traffic congestion between the western and eastern suburbs. The work is being completed in four phases, covering an elevated route or flyover, an underground tunnel and wider roads. In the Khindipada-Sonapur phase within S ward, these 180 structures were in the way of the actual work, which had stalled.

The BMC had made extensive preparations to carry out the drive without hindrance. More than 30 BMC engineers and more than 100 staff were part of the operation. Four poclain machines, four JCBs and 10 dumpers were deployed to bring the structures down quickly.

To prevent any untoward incident and maintain law and order, 90 police personnel were posted at the site. The drive was carried out under the guidance of the Deputy Commissioner (Zone 6) and directly led by the Assistant Commissioner of S ward.

The BMC has also looked after the rehabilitation of local residents affected by the project. Of the project-affected people, 108 residents found eligible have already been rehabilitated at suitable locations as per rules. The debris from the demolished structures is currently being removed at a fast pace.

The BMC administration has said that once the debris is fully cleared, the remaining road widening work will be taken up immediately. The drive has made it easier for the actual work on the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road to gather speed.