Badlapur’s only flyover, a crucial link between Badlapur East and West, is at risk of a significantly shortened lifespan due to improper repair work, according to a recent report by the Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI). Sambhaji Shinde, former corporator of Kulgaon Badlapur Nagar Parishad and district general secretary of the BJP, has raised concerns over the ongoing asphalt patchwork, which he claims could further damage the structure.

The flyover, built in 2004 during the tenure of former Mayor Ram Patkar, has been plagued by recurring potholes over the years. Despite multiple attempts at patchwork repairs, the problem has persisted, causing frustration among residents and political activists alike. Shinde argues that the city council administration has failed to address the root cause of the issue, opting for short-term fixes rather than permanent, technically sound solutions.

A structural audit of the flyover was conducted in 2022 by VJTI to address the recurring potholes. The report found that the flyover’s concrete slabs are connected by expansion joints designed to alleviate the load placed on the structure. However, the frequent layering of asphalt to fill potholes has caused the expansion joints to become obstructed, increasing the load on the concrete. According to the VJTI report, this could reduce the lifespan of the flyover by up to 10 years.

The report recommends that the entire layer of asphalt be removed and replaced with a mastic layer to ensure proper maintenance and prevent further damage. Despite this advice, the municipal administration has continued with its asphalt patchwork, spending large sums without addressing the underlying structural issues.

Shinde has demanded that the Kulgaon Badlapur Municipal Council administration carry out the necessary repairs in a technically sound manner as per the VJTI guidelines, rather than relying on temporary fixes.

In response, the Kulgaon Badlapur Municipal Council has announced that tenders for the flyover repair work, as per the VJTI report, are in the final stages. Chief Maruti Gaikwad assured that the mastic work would soon begin, with careful planning to ensure minimal disruption to traffic during the process.