Mumbai News: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced plans to widen a congested section of the Western Express Highway (WEH) for the first time since taking over the expressways two years ago. The area in question spans 300-400 metres from Mohan Gokhale Road to Aarey Check Naka in Goregaon. The current width of this stretch, which is 45 metres, will be expanded to between 57 and 61 metres.

According to the Times Of India report, this widening project will involve the removal of approximately 300 illegal structures, including residential buildings, garages and even a tea shop, that currently obstruct the highway, two water culverts, and the intended service road.

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The TOI report quoted Sanjay Jadhav, the assistant municipal commissioner for P-South ward, as stating that the encroachments will be cleared under BMC’s Removal of Bottleneck Policy. This policy allows the municipality to provide financial compensation to affected residents instead of offering them alternative housing. The BMC previously utilised this approach to successfully widen S V Road from Goregaon to Kandivli, where many residents chose monetary compensation.

Jadhav further explained that a survey will be conducted to identify residents along the WEH stretch who qualify for compensation.

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In separate news, Hundreds protested in Bandra Kurla Complex as authorities attempted to demolish 188-190 structures in Bharat Nagar for a contentious redevelopment project led by Adani Group subsidiary Budhpur Buildcon. Residents demanded clarity on rehabilitation plans, citing a pending Bombay High Court case and Supreme Court stay on demolitions. The project, mired in disputes for two decades, gained political sensitivity after Zeeshan Siddique linked it to his father Baba Siddique’s death. MLA Varun Sardesai urged for agreements with residents before proceeding.