Pedder Road flyover to get air purifiers: MSRDC

MUMBAI: Under pressure from Pedder Road residents to ensure reduction in air and noise pollution after building a flyover between Haji Ali and Girgaum Chowpatty, the state has come out with a novel promise.

The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has proposed to install solar-powered air purifiers on the 4.3-km flyover at an interval of 200 metres in addition to advanced noise barriers and view cutters.

MSRDC officials say purifiers will not only improve air circulation, but also reduce toxic oxides of sulphur and nitrogen by infusing ozone in the area below the via-duct. During overcast days, purifiers will run on electricity. The purifier will absorb carbon dioxide from the air and release "oxygenated air".

Similarly, the noise level of 60 decibels will be reduced to 40 decibels due to noise barriers, which will last for nearly 30 years. MSRDC officials claim that view cutters will virtually leave no scope for outsiders to peep into apartments.

These promises to the residents have come in the wake of a public hearing organized by the MSRDC and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) at the Institution of Engineers' Hall at Haji Ali on July 18 at 3 pm.

The flyover will start near Rajni Patel chowk near Lala Lajpat Rai college at Haji Ali and then terminate beyond G B Pant square near Wilson College on Marine Drive.

The via-duct will pass through Haji Ali junction, Cadbury junction, Kemps Corner, Prempuriji Square, Babulnath temple, Tambe Square and Wilson College near Nana Nani Park. The flyover will help motorists cut down on travel time by over 40 minutes.

MSRDC officials said the flyover will be ready in 18 months. "We will carry out construction work during night hours and monitor air and noise pollution due to construction activities. We will barricade the area and will ensure that work is done within this area. We will keep tabs on the debris," said a senior MSRDC official.

"Temporary traffic disruption while demolishing Kemps Corner flyover and construction of a via-duct will be taken care of by diversion of traffic towards Bhulabhai Desai Road and Tardeo Road in consultation with the traffic police," the official added.