MMRDA Proposes Road Expansion Project in BKC Area
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

MMRDA Proposes Road Expansion Project in BKC Area

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has announced its intention to repurpose the underutilized cycle tracks in the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) into additional vehicular lanes. This initiative is designed to increase road capacity and improve traffic flow in one of Mumbai’s busiest commercial centers.

Spanning 370 hectares, BKC accommodates around 200,000 employees and nearly 400,000 visitors every day. The recent closure of the Sion bridge has worsened traffic conditions by diverting a large volume of vehicles, including heavy trucks, onto the internal roads of BKC. The existing infrastructure, which was originally created to handle smaller vehicles, has been unable to manage the increased traffic load effectively.

As part of its comprehensive traffic management plan, MMRDA intends to convert the 2.7-meter-wide cycle tracks into additional vehicular lanes. This would increase lane capacity from two lanes in each direction (2+2) to three lanes in each direction (3+3) in certain sections. The transformation is expected to accommodate an additional 600 to 900 vehicles per lane, reducing peak-hour travel time by about 40 percent—from 25 minutes to 15 minutes. Furthermore, the average waiting time at traffic signals is projected to drop from 10 minutes to 7 minutes, contributing to a 30 percent decrease in carbon emissions due to less idling.

To enable this expansion, supporting infrastructure such as streetlights, signboards, bus stops, and landscaping features will be relocated to the footpaths. Additionally, a one-way traffic system will be introduced on selected internal roads within BKC to further ease congestion and improve traffic movement.

The cycle tracks were originally approved in 2011, with construction starting in 2012. By 2021, approximately 9 kilometers of these tracks had been completed at a cost of Rs 600 million. However, these tracks have largely remained underutilized. Critics—including cycling advocates and urban planners—have attributed this to poor alignment, lack of connectivity, and inadequate maintenance. The estimated cost for dismantling the tracks is Rs 250 million.

While the repurposing of the cycle tracks aims to provide immediate relief from traffic congestion, it has sparked debate regarding sustainable urban planning and the importance of maintaining non-motorized transport infrastructure. Experts have emphasized the need for a balanced and comprehensive plan that meets the demands of vehicular traffic while promoting environmentally friendly and equitable transportation options.
MMRDA officials have stated that the strategic plan demonstrates a commitment to preserving BKC’s status as a financial and commercial hub while accommodating its growing footfall and vehicular traffic. They conveyed that by integrating both immediate and long-term solutions, the initiative seeks to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of Mumbai’s urban environment.

News source: Urban Acres

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has announced its intention to repurpose the underutilized cycle tracks in the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) into additional vehicular lanes. This initiative is designed to increase road capacity and improve traffic flow in one of Mumbai’s busiest commercial centers.Spanning 370 hectares, BKC accommodates around 200,000 employees and nearly 400,000 visitors every day. The recent closure of the Sion bridge has worsened traffic conditions by diverting a large volume of vehicles, including heavy trucks, onto the internal roads of BKC. The existing infrastructure, which was originally created to handle smaller vehicles, has been unable to manage the increased traffic load effectively.As part of its comprehensive traffic management plan, MMRDA intends to convert the 2.7-meter-wide cycle tracks into additional vehicular lanes. This would increase lane capacity from two lanes in each direction (2+2) to three lanes in each direction (3+3) in certain sections. The transformation is expected to accommodate an additional 600 to 900 vehicles per lane, reducing peak-hour travel time by about 40 percent—from 25 minutes to 15 minutes. Furthermore, the average waiting time at traffic signals is projected to drop from 10 minutes to 7 minutes, contributing to a 30 percent decrease in carbon emissions due to less idling.To enable this expansion, supporting infrastructure such as streetlights, signboards, bus stops, and landscaping features will be relocated to the footpaths. Additionally, a one-way traffic system will be introduced on selected internal roads within BKC to further ease congestion and improve traffic movement.The cycle tracks were originally approved in 2011, with construction starting in 2012. By 2021, approximately 9 kilometers of these tracks had been completed at a cost of Rs 600 million. However, these tracks have largely remained underutilized. Critics—including cycling advocates and urban planners—have attributed this to poor alignment, lack of connectivity, and inadequate maintenance. The estimated cost for dismantling the tracks is Rs 250 million.While the repurposing of the cycle tracks aims to provide immediate relief from traffic congestion, it has sparked debate regarding sustainable urban planning and the importance of maintaining non-motorized transport infrastructure. Experts have emphasized the need for a balanced and comprehensive plan that meets the demands of vehicular traffic while promoting environmentally friendly and equitable transportation options.MMRDA officials have stated that the strategic plan demonstrates a commitment to preserving BKC’s status as a financial and commercial hub while accommodating its growing footfall and vehicular traffic. They conveyed that by integrating both immediate and long-term solutions, the initiative seeks to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of Mumbai’s urban environment. News source: Urban Acres

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

India’s Maha Kumbh of Road Construction

The RAHSTA Forum 2025, held on June 25 at Courtyard by Marriott, Mumbai, delivered powerful insights and dialogue on the future of India’s roads and highways sector. Organised by the FIRST Construction Council, the Forum served as the curtain-raiser to the much-anticipated RAHSTA Expo 2025, set to take place on 3rd and 4th September at the Jio Convention Centre, Mumbai.Union Minister of Roads Transport & Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari, while appreciating the efforts of FIRST Construction Council and ASAPP Info Global Group, commended the awards which recognise excellence across various..

Next Story
Real Estate

Built to Last, Designed to Impress

The construction and interior design industries stand at the confluence of functionality and aesthetics, where innovation powers the creation of enduring structures and inspiring spaces. At the heart of this process are materials and solutions that enable architects, designers, and builders to realise their visions with precision and reliability.Featuring iconic brands such as Fevicol—synonymous with adhesive solutions—Dr. Fixit, a complete waterproofing system renowned for addressing every critical area of construction, and Roff, a specialist in tile-fixing solutions, Pidilite has earned ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

New Push to Cut India’s Air Pollution through Power Sector Reforms

In a significant stride toward environmental sustainability, Cummins India introduced CPCB IV+ compliant gensets to India on July 5, 2023, marking a paradigm shift in the power generation industry. These generators are engineered to adhere to the progressive emission norms set by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. Being the first sets in the field, they have garnered praise for their remarkable achievements in emissions reduction and cutting-edge technology. Powerica, with its four-decade-long partnership with Cummins India Limited, is dedicated to consistently deliver th..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?