Mumbai's highways get Rs 242-crore monsoon-ready makeover with advanced repairs

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is gearing up for the monsoon with major repair works on key roads and bridges. Two of Mumbai’s busiest highways—the Eastern Express Highway (EEH) and Western Express Highway (WEH)—are undergoing extensive restoration using advanced surfacing techniques.

Funds totalling Rs 242.74 crore have been allocated for the upgrades, aimed at preventing seasonal damage and improving traffic flow.

The BMC has proposed repairs on both highways using micro-surfacing technology. This method will address surface wear on the main carriageways, ensuring smoother and more durable roads. The WEH, a critical 26-kilometre north-south corridor with an average width of 42 metres, will receive Rs 87.80 crore for resurfacing works.

The EEH, stretching 19 kilometres and wider at 60 metres, will see improvements costing Rs 77.14 crore. Both routes handle heavy traffic, making their upkeep essential before the monsoon. Key bridges along these highways are also being restored. On the WEH, structures like Vakola and Aarey are being repaired using mastic asphalt, a material known for its waterproofing properties. Similarly, bridges such as Kurla and Cheda Nagar are undergoing the same treatment as part of pre-monsoon preparations. The WEH was transferred to the BMC on October 3, 2022, and repairs have been ongoing since then. The total estimated expenditure for all works stands at Rs 164.94 crore, with additional provisions bringing the overall investment to Rs 242.74 crore.

The repairs will strengthen Mumbai’s road infrastructure ahead of the rainy season. With micro-surfacing and mastic asphalt applied to highways and bridges, the BMC aims to reduce waterlogging and extend the lifespan of these vital routes. The allocated funds will cover both immediate fixes and long-term improvements for smoother commutes.