Bhiwandi's key APJ Abdul Kalam flyover shut for repairs, traffic snarls across Mumbai

Bhiwandi: The Dr APJ Abdul Kalam flyover, one of Bhiwandi’s most important traffic arteries, was closed to vehicular movement on Sunday for two days to undertake pothole repairs, triggering severe traffic congestion across the city, including on alternative routes.

Located in the heart of Bhiwandi, the 1-km flyover connects three major directions. One stretch leads towards Vada, while two separate landings — one connects commuters towards Nashik and the second towards the inside of Bhiwandi city. Its closure has forced motorists and heavy vehicles to use roads below the flyover and other alternative routes, resulting in long queues of vehicles from morning till evening.

The flyover has been witnessing recurring pothole problems, particularly during the monsoon. Although contractors had carried out temporary repairs several times, the potholes reappeared due to heavy vehicular movement, including heavy vehicles using the busy route.

The Bhiwandi-Nizampur Municipal Corporation (BNMC) decided to shut the flyover to facilitate proper repairs by filling the potholes with asphalt.

Mayor Narayan Chaudhary told TOI that repair work began on Sunday morning and the administration would try to reopen the flyover by Monday evening, instead of keeping it closed for the entire two days.