Vidyavihar ROB deadline pushed to 2026: Over 80 structures, 180 trees to be affected in phase 2 work of project

Earlier in 2023, the BMC had completed the launch of two open-web-girder passing over railway tracks, which made for the first phase of the project.

At a length of 99.34 metres, it was the longest girder that has been laid over the railway tracks in the country.

Recently, the BMC identified over 80 structures and 180 trees that come in the way of the second phase of the project.

Following the installation, the BMC had embarked on the second phase involving the construction of the approach roads on the eastern and the western sides, amongst other works.

According to a senior official, nearly 87 structures were found to be coming along the alignment of the proposed approach roads. Of these, 60 structures — including residential, religious structures, shops, a civic toilet block etc —  are situated on the western flank while 27 structures — including seven shops along the railway portion — are situated on the eastern side.

Besides this, the civic body found that around 180 trees were falling along the path of approach roads.

Speaking to The Indian Express, a senior official said, “To enable work on the approach roads, we have identified these structures and already communicated with the ward to initiate action and demolish them. We have also written to the concerned tree authorities informing them about the 180 trees which are coming along the way. On the basis of their assessment, it will be determined on how many trees will be cut and how many transplanted.”

Meanwhile, a senior ward official said, “We have already issued notices to the identified structures. The ward has already started work on this front including on aspects such as shifting proposals. Furthermore, we have already demolished some of the structures.”

The second phase of the project has been pegged at a cost of Rs. 69.50 crore, with the tender awarded to the same contractor who executed work on the first phase.  According to civic official, the project is now slated to be completed by March 2026.

While the civic body is still executing the works, the work on the approach roads will gather pace following monsoons.

“Following October, we will commence full-fledged work. Since we have two months in hand, we have asked ward officials to remove the structures in the period in a bid to minimise delays. As we keep getting clearance, we will progress with the work,” said an official.

Upon completion, the ROB will aid in easing traffic load between Ghatkopar and Vidyavihar in the eastern suburbs and provide direct connectivity between Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg (LBS) and Ramkrishna Chemburkar Marg.

The civic body had initially aimed at executing the project work by 2022, a deadline which had been later revised to December 2024.