By Srinivas Iyer
The newly inaugurated Mrinaltai Gore flyover extension in Goregaon has come under scrutiny after commuters reported surface irregularities within days of its opening on June 6.
The ₹248-crore project, aimed at improving east–west connectivity between Ram Mandir, SV Road, Link Road and the Western Express Highway corridor, was opened after multiple delays and cost escalations. The 750-metre extension was originally commissioned in 2018 with a two-year completion target but took nearly eight years to complete, with costs rising from about ₹170 crore to ₹248 crore.
Soon after inauguration, commuters and observers flagged uneven patches and visible joints on sections of the newly laid surface. Visuals shared on social media further intensified criticism over the quality of execution, with concerns raised about durability ahead of the monsoon season.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has said the observed surface texture and joints are part of the construction process and are expected to stabilise once vehicular movement increases. The civic body has maintained that the structure is safe for public use.
However, opposition leaders and civic activists have called for an independent structural audit, citing concerns over execution quality. Some have also referred to earlier internal observations reportedly flagging potential surface issues during construction.
The development has renewed focus on the quality of execution of major infrastructure projects in Mumbai, where several recent flyovers and bridges have faced public scrutiny over design and post-inauguration conditions.
With the monsoon approaching, commuters are closely watching whether the newly opened corridor will withstand seasonal stress or add to the city’s growing list of contentious civic infrastructure projects.
