Visible flyover joints on Mumbai's Mrinaltai Gore Extension Flyover do not indicate structural defects, says BMC

According to the bridges department, the current appearance of the Mrinaltai Gore Extension Flyover does not indicate any structural deficiency, design flaw, workmanship defect, or surfacing failure. FILE PIC

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Sunday claimed that the visible joints and patch-like appearance on portions of the newly constructed Mrinaltai Gore Extension Flyover are part of the technical road-laying process and do not indicate any compromise in the structure's safety, quality, or stability.

The claim comes after citizens, elected representatives, and other stakeholders raised concerns on social media regarding the apparent unevenness of the flyover's road surface.

According to the BMC's Bridges Department, a 40 mm-thick mastic asphalt wearing course has been laid on the bridge carriageway. The department said the material typically appears rough and patchy immediately after application, particularly when laid in sections, but gradually becomes smoother and more uniform with regular vehicular movement.

The civic body explained that the flyover's geometric design includes long horizontal curves and varying levels of superelevation, requiring the mastic asphalt layer to be laid in stages. As a result, construction joints between adjoining sections are currently visible and may resemble patches at certain locations.

The BMC stated that mastic asphalt is widely used on bridge decks because of its waterproofing properties, durability, resistance to rutting and long service life.

The civic body, in a press release, further said that freshly laid mastic asphalt has a relatively smooth surface and therefore graded stone chippings are spread immediately after application to improve friction and provide skid resistance for vehicles. This process can result in temporary variations in colour and texture on the road surface.

BMC says Mrinaltai Gore Extension Flyover built as per approved standards

According to the bridges department, the current appearance of the flyover does not indicate any structural deficiency, design flaw, workmanship defect, or surfacing failure. All works have been carried out in accordance with approved designs, technical specifications and quality-control procedures, the civic body said.

The BMC added that the construction of the flyover, including road surfacing works, has been completed in compliance with the guidelines of the Indian Roads Congress, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and applicable Indian Standards.

The civic administration also said that excess grit visible on the surface will be removed, while the required aggregate layer for anti-skid performance will be compacted using a lightweight roller.