Mumbai’s new Vidyavihar East-West Flyover is nearing its opening to traffic, but a political dispute over its name has emerged before the infrastructure project becomes operational. Shiv Sena (UBT) has proposed naming the bridge after actor Nana Patekar, while BJP MLA Parag Shah has suggested naming it after commercial pilot Captain Smit Machchar.
The two-lane flyover connects Ramchandra Chendulkar Marg with Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg near Vidyavihar railway station. It is 650 metres long, including a 100-metre section that passes above railway tracks. The project also includes a connecting route between the flyover and the station’s footpaths.
According to the report, work linked to the station has included the reconstruction of railway ticket counters, the station master’s office and stairways on both sides. A pedestrian route inside the railway premises has been connected to the flyover through stairs. Noise barriers have also been installed along the structure.
Shiv Sena (UBT) representatives met Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde to submit their demand and also handed a memorandum to Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide. The party has cited Nana Patekar’s contribution to the film industry and his work for farmers and people in need through the Naam Foundation as reasons for the proposed name. Banners supporting the proposal were reportedly installed on both sides of the bridge on Friday.
Shah has separately requested that the flyover be named after Captain Smit Machchar. The report identifies Machchar as an Indian commercial pilot who was recognised for thwarting an attempted aircraft hijacking. Shah said Machchar was a resident of Ghatkopar and described the proposal as a way to honour his service and bravery. He also said that the final decision would rest with the authorities and that he did not want the naming issue to become a dispute.
Mayor Tawde said the bridge’s naming should not be made a political issue. She said she would discuss the matter with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis before deciding on an appropriate name.
The disagreement highlights how infrastructure naming in Mumbai can become a contest over public recognition even before a project is opened. In this case, the bridge has a practical role beyond carrying road traffic: its design also includes links to Vidyavihar station’s pedestrian movement and rebuilt railway facilities. The final name, however, will be decided by the relevant authorities after the mayor’s proposed discussion with the chief minister.
