Cracks on GMLR flyover sparks concern, BMC assures stability
The BMC stated that a structural audit has been conducted, confirming the flyover's stability
Written by Pratip Acharya
Mumbai | Updated: July 24, 2025 06:56 PM IST
3 min read
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The GMLR is a prime arterial road that connects the Sion Panvel highway with the Eastern Express Highway of Mumbai. (File photo)
Residents and activists in Mankhurd have expressed serious concern after cracks appeared on one of the pillars of the Ghatkopar-Mankhurd Link Road (GMLR) flyover, which was inaugurated just four years ago by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). In response, the BMC stated that a structural audit has been conducted, confirming the flyover’s stability. Officials have assured that the structure is safe, and vehicular movement will continue as normal.
The GMLR is a prime arterial road that connects the Sion-Panvel highway with the Eastern Express Highway of Mumbai. One of the connecting arms of this bridge extends towards the Deonar area of Mumbai to allow vehicles coming from the Shivaji Nagar area access the flyover and travel towards Vashi or Navi Mumbai. Earlier this week, cracks had developed on the portion of the flyover that extends towards the Deonar side. Vertical cracks were seen on the plinth beam of the pillars of the bridge that support the base of the structure. Meanwhile, horizontal cracks were also seen on the portion of the flyover that support the base of the main carriageway.
“The bridges department informed us that the damage to the pillars was caused by the BMC’s own sewage operations department and the onus of repairing the structure lies with them now,” Faiyaz Ahmed Shaikh, a local resident and founder of Govandi Citizen’s Welfare Forum told the Indian Express. Shaikh has also lodged a complaint with the BMC on this issue.
Meanwhile, when Express contacted the authorities, they said the pillar got damaged during a micro-tunnelling work carried out by the sewerage operations department as the soil under the foundation wall of the flyover got washed away.
“Some panels and beams of the wall had cracked as the soil got washed away as water was pumped out of the pit dug for the underground sewer. The technical inspection of the flyover has been done by the technical advisor and experts of VJTI, and as per the recommendations, the repair work has been undertaken by the Sewerage Project Department. They have been informed about the immediate completion of the work,” a civic official told the Indian Express.
“We have carried out a structural audit as well and since the risk is not very high, vehicles have been allowed to ply on the flyover,” the official added.
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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