India
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.
Updated : Jun 20, 2017, 10:48 AM IST
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. 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.