Mumbai traffic: MMRDA assures BMC to fix storm water drain on WEH, EEH

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) assured the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) that the storm water drains damaged due to metro work on Western and Eastern Express Highways (WEH & EEH) will be taken care of during the revamp work. "Only when the work of converting these highways into concrete roads can be carried out," said P Velrasu, additional municipal commissioner (projects), BMC.

Since there is huge traffic throughout the day on both these highways, the repair work will create inconvenience to the commuters, Velrasu said quoting MMRDA. Soon, a tender will be floated, informed MMRDA.

The MMRDA is responsible to look after the maintenance and repair of EEH and WEH. As per the BMC, some of the storm water drains near the newly-constructed Kandivali metro station were found to be damaged and need to be repaired. Accordingly, the MMRDA was informed to carry out the work ahead of monsoon. These drains help easy flow of monsoon water preventing the area from getting waterlogged. The civic official added that since these drains are smaller ones, it really won't cause flooding in case it remains inactive, but definitely it needs to be repaired.

In April, the MMRDA partially opened the 20-km stretch of Metro Line 2A&7 passing through the Link Road and WEH. On an average, these lines witness nearly 20,000-25,000 commuters per day. In fact, the authority is gearing up for the completion of the remaining portion and, therefore, it is trying to complete the civil work so that a trial run can be done in the coming months.

Since it is carrying out big budget infrastructure projects including Metro, the MMRDA has started a dedicated 24x7 control room with helpline numbers to assist people, especially during heavy showers.