Mumbai’s long-pending Vidyavihar east-west connectivity project is finally progressing, but the development comes with a significant environmental cost. Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has proposed cutting or transplanting 162 trees to make way for the new flyover and its approach roads, while another 51 trees will be retained. The ₹178 crore flyover project, which has remained delayed for over three decades, is expected to become operational by August 2026.
Vidyavihar to finally get direct east-west connectivity
At present, Vidyavihar lacks a direct East-West road link, forcing commuters to rely on the Ghatkopar or Kurla road overbridges to cross railway tracks. Depending on traffic, the journey currently takes around 30 to 45 minutes. Once the new flyover opens, travel time is expected to reduce to under 10 minutes. The project includes a 100-metre steel girder structure that will support vehicular approach arms connecting both sides of the suburb.
213 trees affected by the project
According to the BMC’s proposal, a total of 213 trees fall within the alignment of the flyover’s approach roads. Out of these:
- 77 trees will be completely felled
- 85 trees will be transplanted
- 51 trees will remain untouched
Compensatory plantation planned in Panvel
To offset the loss of green cover, the BMC has proposed planting 2,278 trees on a 2.05-hectare plot in Panvel. Earlier this month, the civic administration submitted a proposal to appoint the Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra (FDCM) to oversee the compensatory afforestation work. The entire environmental mitigation exercise, including transplantation, maintenance for seven years and land acquisition in Panvel, is expected to cost BMC around ₹1.99 crore. A civic official explained that Panvel was selected because acquiring such a large land parcel within Mumbai for afforestation is nearly impossible.
Flyover expected to open by August 2026
Despite the concerns, BMC maintains that the project is crucial for easing daily congestion in central Mumbai. Construction of the Vidyavihar east-west flyover is currently underway and is scheduled for completion by August 2026.
