- By Yashashvi Tak
- Tue, 27 Jan 2026 03:16 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
A recently built flyover in Maharashtra’s Mira Bhayandar area has sparked widespread discussion online, with social media users raising concerns over its design. The structure has been criticised for appearing to reduce from four lanes to two, prompting questions about planning and safety. In response, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) released a detailed clarification after a post by an X handle, Gems of Mira Bhayandar, went viral. The issue has led to sharp criticism of the authority’s infrastructure planning ahead of the flyover’s proposed inauguration in February.
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The controversy emerged after the Gems of Mira Bhayandar X (formerly Twitter) account questioned whether the double-decker flyover, being constructed as part of the Metro Line 9 project, would ease traffic or worsen congestion. The post alleged that the four-lane flyover abruptly narrows to two lanes, triggering a wider debate on infrastructure design, approvals, and traffic management in the rapidly expanding suburban region.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) Clarifications On Mira-Bhayandar Flyover Viral Video
Responding to the viral claims, the MMRDA clarified that the flyover does not “suddenly narrow” and said the transition from four lanes to two is not a design flaw. According to the authority, the lane configuration is based on existing road width constraints and long-term network planning.
MMRDA Explain Flyover Design And Structure
MMRDA explained that the flyover has been planned with two lanes for Bhayandar East and provision for an additional two lanes towards Bhayandar West in the future. As the Bhayandar East arm appears first along the alignment, the four-lane structure currently transitions into two lanes, while the remaining lanes on the outer side are reserved for a future extension across the Western Railway line.
The flyover does not “suddenly narrow.” The transition from 4 lanes to 2 lanes is not a design flaw, but is based on available road width constraints, and future network planning.
— MMRDA (@MMRDAOfficial) January 27, 2026
As per planning, the flyover has been designed with two lanes for Bhayander East and future… https://t.co/hZrsBl9SAR
Up to Golden Nest Circle, a high-traffic junction where five major roads converge, a 2+2 lane flyover integrated with the Metro corridor has been provided along with slip roads on both sides to facilitate effective traffic dispersal. Beyond this junction towards Bhayandar East, the available right of way reduces as per the Development Plan (DP), resulting in a 1 pluse 1 lane flyover constructed along the median with dedicated entry and exit ramps for uninterrupted movement towards Railway Phatak Road.
The authority said the design allows smooth movement across one of the busiest junctions in the Mira-Bhayandar region while accommodating on-ground limitations. Provision has also been kept for future widening, with plans to extend the outer sides of both carriageways by an additional lane each to improve east-west traffic connectivity. This proposal is currently at the planning stage and will be taken up in coordination with the Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) after necessary approvals.
MMRDA On Flyover Design Motive
MMRDA added that the flyover has been designed primarily to reduce congestion and improve traffic dispersal in the region. Several safety measures have been incorporated, including rumble strips, delineators, adequate signage, retro-reflective markers, directional boards, and anti-crash barriers. The authority said it is also consulting traffic police for any additional safety measures before the flyover is opened to the public.