MUMBAI, MAHARASHTRA—A soon-to-be-opened flyover in the Mira-Bhayandar region has become the latest battleground for Mumbai’s infrastructure politics. On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) was forced to issue a formal clarification after a viral video suggested the multi-lane structure “suddenly narrows,” creating a potential death trap for commuters.
The project, which is part of the Metro Line 9 double-decker corridor, is scheduled for inauguration in February 2026.
1. The “Narrowing” Controversy
The social media handle ‘Gems of Mira Bhayandar’ (@GemsOfMBMC) posted an aerial video showing a four-lane section of the flyover tapering abruptly into two lanes.
- The Critique: The post questioned how such a design was approved and warned of massive bottlenecks and safety risks at one of the region’s busiest junctions.
- The Viral Reach: The clip notched up over a million views, with many users comparing it to similar “engineering failures” in other cities.
2. MMRDA’s Defense: “It’s Phased, Not Faulty”
The MMRDA responded directly to the backlash, insisting the narrowing is a planned engineering transition dictated by “ground reality.”
- Phased Planning: The authority explained that the flyover currently feeds into Bhayander East, where the road width is restricted.
- Future Extension: The “outer” two lanes are reserved for a future phase that will extend toward Bhayander West, crossing the Western Railway line.
- Golden Nest Circle: Officials noted that the stretch up to Golden Nest Circle maintains a full 2+2 lane configuration with slip roads to disperse high traffic volumes.
3. Thackeray’s “Masterpiece” Jibe
The controversy provided fresh ammunition for Shiv Sena-UBT leader Aaditya Thackeray, who took a sarcastic swipe at the BJP-led state government and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde (who chairs the MMRDA).
“People must not make fun of MMRDA and the team that designed this masterpiece… Any such reduction of lanes is going to create chaos and traffic anyway! Guess the minister in charge,” Thackeray wrote on X.
The “minister in charge” is a direct reference to CM Shinde, whose split from the original Shiv Sena in 2022 unseated Aaditya’s father, Uddhav Thackeray.
The Mira-Bhayandar Flyover Snapshot
| Project Feature | Details |
| Project Type | Double-Decker Flyover (Metro Line 9) |
| Current Layout | 4 lanes transitioning to 2 lanes (Bhayander East) |
| Future Layout | 4 full lanes (connecting to Bhayander West) |
| Opening Date | February 2026 |
| Safety Features | Rumble strips, anti-crash barriers, and signage |