This is an archive article published on December 5, 2022
BMC to take charge of 19 underpasses and bridges from MSRDC
MSRDC had handed over possession of the roads to BMC in October, however, the civic body didn’t give its nod to taking over the roads.
Written by Pratip Acharya
Mumbai | Updated: December 13, 2022 01:40 PM IST
3 min read
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The MSRDC generates a heavy volume of revenue from these roads through advertisement rights and toll taxes.
THE BRIHANMUMBAI Municipal Corporation (BMC) is all set to take charge of 19 bridges and traffic underpasses from the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) as all the necessary formalities required for the handing over of these structures are complete.
The proposal of handing over these roads and bridges was supported by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde after Municipal Commissioner and state-appointed administrator Iqbal Singh Chahal urged the Bombay High Court (HC) on September 30 to make BMC the sole authority responsible for the maintenance of roads and flyovers in Mumbai to bring an end to pothole-related problems.
MSRDC had handed over possession of the roads to BMC in October, however, the civic body didn’t give its nod to taking over the roads.
“We have now expedited the completion of all the required formalities to complete the handover of these roads. Over the next two months, the BMC will carry out multiple interventions and structural checks of these roads and flyovers through a team of experts. By assessing the wear and tear and current condition of the roads we will take a call on initiating repair works as per requirement,” P Velrasu, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) told The Indian Express said while confirming the development.
He also said that the civic body is targeting to complete some of the basic repairs before monsoon next year.
The MSRDC generates a heavy volume of revenue from these roads through advertisement rights and toll taxes. Sources in the department said that according to an agreement made with the state government MSRDC has the right to toll taxes toll for the next five years. At present, the toll is collected from the entry points in Mumbai, which includes Vashi, Airlines, Mulund and Dahisar, and the proceeds go to MSRDC.
Velrasu said that BMC has chalked out a revenue-sharing formula and henceforth, the overall revenue generated will be shared between the two agencies.
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“It is true that the MSRDC has invested a huge amount of funds for the construction and maintenance of these flyovers. Now, as BMC will put its own money for maintenance, they will also need to generate revenue as well,” said a BMC official.
Last week, the BMC officially took charge of the Western Express Highway (WEH) and Eastern Express Highway (WEH) from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). The handover took place two months after Chahal floated the proposal.
Pratip Acharya is a seasoned journalist based in Mumbai reporting for The Indian Express. With a career spanning over a decade, his work demonstrates strong Expertise and Authority in critical urban issues, civic affairs, and electoral politics across Eastern and Western India.
Expertise & Authority
Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express (IE), reporting from Mumbai.
Core Authority: Pratip's reporting focuses sharply on local democracy and development, specializing in:
Urban Governance and Civic Affairs: Providing in-depth analysis of municipal decision-making, city planning, and local infrastructure, essential for informed urban reporting.
City Politics and Environment: Covering the political dynamics of Mumbai and surrounding areas, alongside critical environmental challenges impacting the metro region.
Electoral Coverage (High-Stakes Experience): He has extensive experience in high-stakes political reporting, having covered major elections, establishing his Trustworthiness in political analysis:
National: Lok Sabha elections in 2014 and 2019.
State: West Bengal Assembly elections in 2016 and Maharashtra Assembly elections in 2019.
Major Assignments (Ground Reporting): Pratip demonstrated commitment during crises by conducting ground reporting throughout the Covid-19 pandemic since its breakout in 2020, offering first-hand accounts and analysis of the public health crisis.
Experience
Extensive Experience: Starting his career in 2014, Pratip has built his foundation across multiple prominent English dailies:
Started at The Times of India in Kolkata (2014).
Relocated to Mumbai (2016) and worked with The Free Press Journal and Hindustan Times before joining The Indian Express.
Pratip Acharya's diverse experience across major publications, coupled with his specialized focus on the intricate details of urban governance and a track record of covering major electoral and health crises, establishes him as a trusted and authoritative source for news from India's critical metropolitan centres. ... Read More
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