The Andheri subway in Mumbai has been facing a significant waterlogging issue this monsoon season, with a total of 28 closures due to flooding. These closures have caused disruptions ranging from 15 minutes to four hours, affecting commuters and residents in the area.
To address this ongoing problem, Andheri West Constituency MLA Ameet Satam took action by sending a letter to Additional Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar on August 12. Prior to this, on August 8, Satam conducted a site visit to the Andheri subway with ward authorities and storm water drain (SWD) officials to assess the situation firsthand.
During the inspection, it was identified that water from the east side was flowing towards the west, leading to the flooding of the subway. Satam expressed his concerns in the letter, criticizing previous attempts to address the issue through costly microtunnelling projects. He argued that such projects, including a previous INR 140 crore initiative, were deemed unfeasible and impractical by experts.
In response to the challenges faced at the Andheri subway, Satam proposed several alternative solutions. One suggestion involved creating a holding point or tank on the east side to collect excess water before it entered the subway, similar to the approach taken at the Milan Subway. Additionally, he recommended channeling water into the culvert near the Millionaire Building in Andheri West, expanding and upgrading the SWD network on SV Road, and enhancing a nearby nullah.
Satam also highlighted the importance of improving the existing sewer network on the east side to minimize the inflow of sewage water into the system. He emphasized the need for implementing rainwater collection trenches within the SWD network to enhance water absorption capabilities during heavy rainfall.
These proposed measures aim to mitigate the frequency of closures at the Andheri subway during the monsoon season, as last year witnessed a total of 21 traffic closures due to similar issues. By exploring innovative and cost-effective solutions, Satam seeks to address the root causes of waterlogging in the area and ensure smoother traffic flow for residents and commuters alike.