Mumbai: Diva flyover work to start in October

The work for the Diva railway flyover bridge is set to start by October this year. Once built, the bridge is expected to provide relief to motorists as well as improve the frequency of local trains from Diva.

"We have issued tenders for the railway flyover and the work will start from October," says Pravin Papalkar, executive engineer, Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC). The bridge will be built at a cost of Rs 50 crore, out of which, the TMC will bear Rs 30 crore. "Railways will build the bridge over their tracks and both the sides of the bridge will be built by TMC," he says.

There has been a demand to build this bridge since 2013 as the number of accident cases in the area were increasing every year. In June, a biker and his pillion rider died when they tried to duck under the closed gate and were crushed by an oncoming inter-state train.

Moreover, the Diva level crossing gate is opened 63 times a day resulting in train delays. Motorists and pedestrians face several inconveniences because of the crossing as well.

"The flyover will also improve the frequency of local trains from Diva station as well as general suburban trains which pass through," says Shrikant Shinde, Member of Parliament, Kalyan. "It will also ensure the safety of people who often lose their lives while crossing the bridge," he adds.

The work for the bridge is likely to be completed within 15 months starting October this year.

Easing Traffic

The Diva level crossing gate is opened 63 times a day resulting in train delays 

Motorists and pedestrians face issues because of the crossing

The flyover will improve the frequency of local trains from Diva station as well as general suburban trains