Mira-Bhayandar Flyover Narrows From Four to Two Lanes Mid-Air, MMRDA Explains Design
Mira-Bhayandar flyover narrows abruptly from four to two lanes, drawing safety concerns ahead of February launch.
A wave of concern has erupted on social media after videos highlighted an abrupt narrowing on the Mira-Bhayandar flyover, part of Mumbai Metro Line 9. The visuals show a four-lane stretch suddenly reducing to two lanes at a sharp angle, raising alarm over traffic safety and design integrity just weeks before the flyover’s scheduled inauguration.
The issue came into focus after an aerial video shared by the account Gems of Mira Bhayandar questioned how such a design received approval. Several users sarcastically dubbed it an “engineering marvel,” while others warned that the sudden bottleneck could lead to accidents, congestion, and dangerous pileups during peak traffic hours.
Public reaction has been intense, with urban planners and commuters alike calling for a comprehensive safety audit. Some users described the structure as a potential “death trap,” urging authorities to reconsider the design before opening it to traffic. The criticism reflects broader concerns over infrastructure planning in rapidly growing suburban corridors.
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Responding to the backlash, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) clarified that the lane reduction is intentional and part of phased network planning. Officials explained that the four-lane stretch is designed to eventually split into two lanes each for Bhayander East and Bhayander West, with only the east-bound arm currently operational.
According to MMRDA, the flyover maintains a 2+2 lane configuration up to Golden Nest Circle, supported by slip roads to manage traffic flow. Beyond this point, right-of-way constraints require a narrower 1+1 lane design with dedicated ramps. Authorities said safety features have been incorporated and traffic police inputs are being reviewed before commissioning.
Mumbai Metro Line 9, an extension of Line 7, spans 13.58 km with 10 stations and aims to significantly reduce travel time between Andheri, Dahisar, and Mira-Bhayandar. While officials maintain that the flyover meets planning norms, public scrutiny continues to mount as the project nears its February launch.
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