Why is Mumbai's Vikhroli East-West Connector Delayed? Details Inside
The much-awaited Vikhroli East-West Connector is now expected to open by May 2025. The project, which started in 2018, faced multiple delays due to design changes, land disputes, encroachments, and the COVID-19 pandemic. While BMC claims all issues are resolved, local activists fear further delays.
04:23 PM Mar 29, 2025 IST
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Aakash Khuman
The long-pending Vikhroli East-West Connector is expected to be completed by May 2025. The bridge will connect Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg (LBS Road) and Eastern Express Highway (EEH), significantly easing traffic congestion in the area.
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Why Was the Vikhroli East-West Connector Project Delayed?
The project was initially approved in 2018, with an expected completion date of October 2020. However, several factors caused repeated delays:
Changes in the bridge’s design
Encroachments and local land disputes
The COVID-19 pandemic, which halted construction for months
Multiple Deadline Extensions
Due to these setbacks, the deadline was first pushed to May 2023, then to December 2024. Now, the BMC has assured that all issues have been resolved, and the project will be ready by May 2025.
Concerns Over Further Delays
Despite the new deadline, local activists believe there could be further delays. According to activist Jayant Dandekar, work on the approach road on the west side of the bridge is still pending, which could lead to another extension.
Why Is This Vikhroli Connector Important?
Currently, Vikhroli residents have to rely on road overbridges at Ghatkopar and Kanjurmarg stations to commute between east and west. The new connector aims to reduce travel time and ease congestion, benefiting daily commuters and businesses in the area.
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