Hush order: Flyovers to have noise barriers

The State government said noise barriers would protect residents in congested areas from sound and dust pollution from elevated road and rail networks in their area. Accordingly, all flyovers less than 30m away from buildings will have some kind of barricade to shield people from noise levels in excess of 60-70 decibels. The circular also specifies that the barricading should be less than 9 feet in height and should not interfere with the aesthetics of the area.

Many experts have, however, were sceptical. “Noise barriers should form part of the original design of flyovers. In Mumbai, even the parapet walls of many flyovers cannot withstand collision. So, I doubt if it’s possible to have noise barriers on all flyovers,” said NV Merani, who had drafted a report on BMC-built bridges and flyovers.