Mira-Bhayandar Viral Flyover Row Reaches Maharashtra Assembly; Govt Orders Probe

The controversy surrounding the much-discussed Mira-Bhayandar flyover reached the Maharashtra Assembly on Thursday, prompting the state government to order an inquiry into the project and related development works in the area. The issue was raised by MLA Narendra Mehta through a calling attention motion, where he flagged several irregularities linked to the flyover and other works being carried out in the Mira-Bhayandar region by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).

Speaking in the House, Mehta raised concerns about the tender process for the flyover project. He alleged that the construction work was carried out without a proper tender process, which could have resulted in financial losses to the government. Referring to the public attention around the issue, Mehta said a video related to the flyover had recently gone viral on social media, bringing the project into the spotlight and raising questions about how the work was executed.

Mehta alleged that the casting yard used for the flyover construction has been set up on land that partly falls under an eco-sensitive zone as well as tribal reserved land. He claimed that the necessary permission from the Tribal Development Department had not been obtained before using the land.

The MLA also questioned the financial aspects of the project. According to him, the contractor involved in the work has been charging an unusually high rent for the casting yard land. He further alleged that there has been significant delay in completing the work.

Responding to the allegations in the Assembly, Minister of State Madhuri Misal said that the government has taken note of the concerns raised. She explained that the rent for casting yard land is usually calculated on the basis of its value over a 20-year period. However, Misal admitted that there appear to be some uncertainties in the rent calculation in this case. She said the matter would be examined in detail. If it is found that MMRDA has paid excess rent, the amount will be recovered from the contractor, she assured. Misal also said that other complaints regarding the contractor have come to light, and these will also be investigated.

Panel Chairman Sanjay Kelkar, who was presiding over the discussion, directed that the matter should be examined within a fixed time frame. He pointed out that several complaints related to the contractor have surfaced in Mumbai and nearby areas.

Accepting the suggestion, the state government announced that an additional chief secretary will conduct a detailed inquiry into the entire matter. The probe will examine the flyover project, land use issues, and the financial aspects of the work.