Kandivali Subway Project Completed, Easing Traffic on WEH

The Akurli subway widening project in Kandivali, Mumbai, has finally been completed after facing significant delays since its inception in 2019. The project encountered unforeseen complications, particularly the discovery of a large gas pipeline that required relocation, which hindered progress. This situation led to a reduction of the northbound lanes on the Western Express Highway from four to two, causing severe traffic congestion for commuters traveling from South Mumbai and Bandra to the northern suburbs. Traffic jams became a common occurrence, especially near the Samata Nagar Police Station junction, where delays could extend journeys by 20 minutes to an hour. To alleviate the situation, traffic police occasionally opened two lanes on the southbound side during peak hours, but this often resulted in further congestion in the opposite direction. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) was responsible for the project and ultimately managed to resolve the issues caused by the gas pipeline, allowing construction to conclude. Union Minister Piyush Goyal, along with local MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar and MMRDA officials, visited the site to announce the project's completion. Goyal expressed satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing the efforts made to deliver the project on schedule. He highlighted the importance of the subway as a vital connection between Kandivali railway station, the highway, and the Lokhandwala residential area. With the completion of the Akurli subway project, traffic flow in the region is expected to improve significantly. The removal of barricades on the highway will provide a smoother commute for motorists, alleviating the congestion that has plagued the area for years.