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New ‘underworld’ for Lower Parel flyover

In a unique initiative that is set to give a facelift to an important stretch in central Mumbai, the Mumbai Mile Regeneration Association (MMRA) will be funding the complete makeover of the public space underneath the Fergusson flyover.

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Taxi bays to ease congestion, a model pedestrian walkway, an open space for children to play, an open gym, a community space with toilets, reading area, and a CCTV surveillance in the city will become a reality under the Lower Parel flyover. 

In a unique initiative that is set to give a facelift to an important stretch in central Mumbai, the Mumbai Mile Regeneration Association (MMRA) will be funding the complete makeover of the public space underneath the Fergusson flyover. They will also redesign the footpaths along the two-kilometre stretch to make it a model pedestrian walkway.

MMRA is a non-profit group formed by residents, developers, corporates, and private stakeholders who have offices along the Senapati Bapat Marg at Lower Parel.

The project has been given a go-ahead by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the initial phase of work — on a 400 meter stretch starting from Karamveer Vithalrao Yadav Chowk to the end of the flyover opposite Empire mills towards Elphinstone Road — is likely to begin this week. This phase will include construction of two taxi bays.

Sanjay Toshniwal, co-founder of MMRA said that this is a unique hub of top hotels, shopping complexes, high-end residential apartments, and several corporate offices. “Despite being such a high tax-paying stretch, it is in a mess. We got all stakeholders to come together,” he said. 

The project includes the beautification of the spaces below the entire Fergusson Flyover as well as a portion of the Elphinstone Flyover (from the Lower Parel end to the Deepak Cinema junction), improving the footpath stretches on both sides of the road, as well as making traffic improvements.

Architects Shweta Chhatpar Shah and Pranav Naik who have designed the masterplan said that they have decided to go with a green theme below the flyovers creating a much needed oasis of plants with seating arrangements, which can be accessed from the road by using walking-friendly zones under the flyover as well as slightly raised pathways from the footpaths.

“This will be a community space and will have two toilets, a special area for traffic police personnel, reading areas as well as open space for children to play, and an open gym. The entire space below the flyover will be lit and covered by CCTV cameras to make it safe post dusk,” said Shah.

Naik on the other hand shared that while designing the spaces below the flyovers they have kept every single user in mind and created amenities accordingly. “Apart from the spaces below the flyovers we will re-model the footpaths and important junctions to make it pedestrian friendly and safe. The first phase should be completed within six months,” he said.   

Prashant Sapkale, Assistant Municipal Commissioner, G-South ward, said that the project will be a major step in improving the pedestrian as well as traffic conditions in the area. “The work will begin once MSRDC resolves the unauthorised parking below the flyover,” he said.


Features of Lower Parel flyover refurbishment

1. U-turn location to be changed: The U-turn below the Fergusson flyover, next to Yadav Chowk, will be shifted opposite to the Casa Grande building. It will ease traffic as the tapering turn widens the road slightly. In fact it was the Mumbai traffic police that suggested this change to ease congestion.

2. Taxi bay for commuters: Two taxi bays will be created under the flyover. First, a bay opposite the Sun Palazzo building, which will function as share-a-cab stand. Second bay will be opposite the Peninsula Business Park. This will be a no halt zone and will function as a drop off or pick up location.

3. Footpaths to be made pedestrian friendly: A two km footpath stretch will be redesigned on both sides of the flyover. Shahabad stones will be used for durability, tree bases will be covered using grill covers instead of concrete, and an even footpath surface will have a ramp leading to the next footpath for easy use.

4. Abundant green cover: Green hubs will be created below the flyovers making it look aesthetic The side panels and seating areas will have plantation to cut off dust and noise levels for those sitting or walking below the flyovers. Sources of ample lighting will be present.

5. Seven pedestrian walkways: There will be seven pedestrian crossings under the Fergusson flyover while five under the Elphinstone flyover. To ensure smooth and quick pedestrian movement, the walkway will be at a slightly raised level connecting footpath on both sides.

Other highlights of the flyover

1. Two toilets will be built at the ends of the Fergusson flyover and will be maintained by MMRA. It will not only cater to the handicapped section but also have facilities for mothers with infants.

2. Provision for the traffic police will also be made. A parking and seating space will be created for the cops.

3. The entire flyover stretch will also have dustbins at certain points.

4. The stretch will be illuminated by LED lights.

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