ULHASNAGAR: In a significant step towards easing traffic congestion in Ulhasnagar, the detailed project report (DPR) for a 3.5km flyover from Shantinagar main entrance to Saibaba temple on the Kalyan-Ambernath state highway has been prepared.The consultant has recommended an integrated double-decker transport system, with the proposed Metro Line 5A corridor on top, the flyover below it and the existing road at ground level.The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) appointed M/s Urban Mass Transit Company Ltd (UMTC) to prepare the DPR.In an official letter dated October 15, the authority informed Ulhasnagar MLA Kumar Ailani that the report had been prepared and further action on the proposal was underway.Ailani had written to the MMRDA in September seeking action on the proposed flyover.Kalyan Lok Sabha MP Dr Shrikant Shinde and Ailani have been advocating an integrated transport solution to address the city’s growing traffic problems. Shinde has also raised the proposal for a double-decker transport system with the MMRDA.The Kalyan-Ambernath highway is one of Ulhasnagar’s busiest arterial roads, passing through the heart of the city and serving commercial markets, major junctions and densely populated neighbourhoods.Congestion along the stretch frequently affects commuters, shoppers and local businesses.Metro Line 5A is planned as an 11.83km extension of Metro Line 5 towards Ulhasnagar, with seven proposed stations.The extension is estimated to cost around Rs 4,063 crore. With this addition, the overall Metro Line 5 corridor, including the Thane-Bhiwandi-Kalyan section, is planned to span 34.21km.The extension is expected to improve connectivity between Ulhasnagar and Kalyan and link the region to the wider Mumbai Metropolitan Region’s expanding metro network.Residents have also been seeking a double-decker arrangement along the busy highway to make more efficient use of limited road space.If approved and implemented, the proposed flyover could ease congestion around Shantinagar, Saibaba temple and other busy junctions along the highway.
