BMC plans ambitious WEH Elevated Corridor with cable-stayed bridges
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

BMC plans ambitious WEH Elevated Corridor with cable-stayed bridges

In order to alleviate the chronic congestion on the Western Express Highway (WEH) and facilitate smooth vehicular movement from Mahim to Dahisar, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is proposing the construction of an elevated corridor using cable-stayed bridges. This ambitious project, directed by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, aims to enhance access control and improve traffic flow along the route.

The estimated cost of the WEH elevated corridor project is approximately Rs 55 billion. It involves the construction of elevated corridors spanning a distance of 15.3 kilometers, while the total length of the highway is approximately 25 kilometers. The elevated section will comprise three to four single-pier cable-stayed bridges, which will be connected to underpasses at various junctions.

To implement this project, the BMC will need to dismantle several existing flyovers to make room for the cable-stayed bridges. This will not only create additional lanes beneath the bridges but also free up space below them. The WEH elevated corridor is expected to take around four years to complete, with tendering commencing after the preparation of a detailed project report and government approval. The BMC anticipates finalising the DPR within the next five to six months.

The project aims to increase the number of lanes on both carriageways to 14 or 16, including lanes beneath the bridges. Underpasses will be constructed at key junctions like Kala Nagar, JVLR, and Aarey to ensure smooth movement of vehicles transitioning from arterial roads to the highway, minimising disruptions. The concept plan for the elevated corridor was developed by a consultant following a techno-economic feasibility study, which considered future traffic projections and incorporated pedestrian-friendly amenities. 

According to the study, the current highway consists of five lanes in each direction, with service roads accounting for approximately 50 per cent of the total length. However, the highway experiences significant traffic volume, ranging from 220,000 to 380,000 passenger car units per day, with peak volumes exceeding 10,000 PCU at multiple junctions, resulting in severe congestion.

The proposed concept design outlines a 15.3-kilometer elevated corridor between Mahim and Malad, divided into three to four sections featuring long single-pier cable-stayed bridges. Each flyover is expected to span two to three junctions. Presently, the express highway has six lanes on both carriageways of the bridges and four lanes on adjacent slip roads, making it a total of 10 lanes. The concept design suggests eight lanes on the bridges and either six or eight lanes on the road beneath and adjoining the bridges, bringing the total number of lanes to 14 or 16 on both carriageways. Traffic barriers will be installed to segregate traffic between these lengthy flyovers. To address cross-directional traffic issues, underpasses will be constructed at various junctions and bottlenecks. However, the concept design is subject to change based on the detailed project report.

Officials estimate that the implementation of the WEH elevated corridor project will take approximately four years, following a sequential construction methodology to minimise disruptions to traffic. The upgraded corridor is expected to include pedestrian facilities such as wider sidewalks and landscaped median spaces, providing a more pedestrian-friendly environment.

In order to alleviate the chronic congestion on the Western Express Highway (WEH) and facilitate smooth vehicular movement from Mahim to Dahisar, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is proposing the construction of an elevated corridor using cable-stayed bridges. This ambitious project, directed by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, aims to enhance access control and improve traffic flow along the route.The estimated cost of the WEH elevated corridor project is approximately Rs 55 billion. It involves the construction of elevated corridors spanning a distance of 15.3 kilometers, while the total length of the highway is approximately 25 kilometers. The elevated section will comprise three to four single-pier cable-stayed bridges, which will be connected to underpasses at various junctions.To implement this project, the BMC will need to dismantle several existing flyovers to make room for the cable-stayed bridges. This will not only create additional lanes beneath the bridges but also free up space below them. The WEH elevated corridor is expected to take around four years to complete, with tendering commencing after the preparation of a detailed project report and government approval. The BMC anticipates finalising the DPR within the next five to six months.The project aims to increase the number of lanes on both carriageways to 14 or 16, including lanes beneath the bridges. Underpasses will be constructed at key junctions like Kala Nagar, JVLR, and Aarey to ensure smooth movement of vehicles transitioning from arterial roads to the highway, minimising disruptions. The concept plan for the elevated corridor was developed by a consultant following a techno-economic feasibility study, which considered future traffic projections and incorporated pedestrian-friendly amenities. According to the study, the current highway consists of five lanes in each direction, with service roads accounting for approximately 50 per cent of the total length. However, the highway experiences significant traffic volume, ranging from 220,000 to 380,000 passenger car units per day, with peak volumes exceeding 10,000 PCU at multiple junctions, resulting in severe congestion.The proposed concept design outlines a 15.3-kilometer elevated corridor between Mahim and Malad, divided into three to four sections featuring long single-pier cable-stayed bridges. Each flyover is expected to span two to three junctions. Presently, the express highway has six lanes on both carriageways of the bridges and four lanes on adjacent slip roads, making it a total of 10 lanes. The concept design suggests eight lanes on the bridges and either six or eight lanes on the road beneath and adjoining the bridges, bringing the total number of lanes to 14 or 16 on both carriageways. Traffic barriers will be installed to segregate traffic between these lengthy flyovers. To address cross-directional traffic issues, underpasses will be constructed at various junctions and bottlenecks. However, the concept design is subject to change based on the detailed project report.Officials estimate that the implementation of the WEH elevated corridor project will take approximately four years, following a sequential construction methodology to minimise disruptions to traffic. The upgraded corridor is expected to include pedestrian facilities such as wider sidewalks and landscaped median spaces, providing a more pedestrian-friendly environment.

Next Story
Technology

Building Faster, Smarter, and Greener!

Backed by ULCCS’s century-old legacy, U-Sphere combines technology, modular design and sustainable practices to deliver faster and more efficient projects. In an interaction with CW, Rohit Prabhakar, Director - Business Development, shares how the company’s integrated model of ‘Speed-Build’, ‘Smart-Build’ and ‘Sustain-Build’ is redefining construction efficiency, quality and environmental responsibility in India.U-Sphere positions itself at the intersection of speed, sustainability and smart design. How does this translate into measurable efficiency on the ground?At U..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Smart Roads, Smarter India

India’s infrastructure boom is not only about laying more kilometres of highways – it’s about building them smarter, safer and more sustainably. From drones mapping fragile Himalayan slopes to 3D machine-controlled graders reducing human error, technology is steadily reshaping the way projects are planned and executed. Yet, the journey towards digitisation remains complex, demanding not just capital but also coordination, training and vision.Until recently, engineers largely depended on Survey of India toposheets and traditional survey methods like total stations or DGPS to prepare detai..

Next Story
Real Estate

What Does DCPR 2034 Mean?

The Maharashtra government has eased approval norms for high-rise buildings under DCPR 2034, enabling the municipal commissioner to sanction projects up to 180 m on large plots. This change is expected to streamline approvals, reduce procedural delays and accelerate redevelopment, drawing reactions from developers, planners and industry experts about its implications for Mumbai’s vertical growth.Under the revised DCPR 2034 rules, buildings on plots of 2,000 sq m or more can now be approved up to 180 m by the municipal commissioner, provided structural and geotechnical reports are certified b..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?